Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can have many causes—decay, infection, trauma, gum disease, grinding, or even sinus pressure, so treatment depends on the underlying problem. Here are the main options for patients experiencing tooth pain:

Cavity or Decay-Related Pain

- Treatment:
  - Filling – removes decay and restores the tooth with composite material.
  - Crown – if the cavity is large and the tooth needs extra strength.

Infected or Abscessed Tooth

- Treatment:
  - Root Canal Therapy – removes infected pulp, cleans canals, and seals the tooth (often followed by a crown).
  - Extraction – if the tooth cannot be saved; replacement options include implants, bridges, or dentures.
- Note: Antibiotics may be prescribed if there’s an active infection, but they are not a permanent solution.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

- Treatment:
  - Bonding or Veneer – for small cracks.
  - Crown – for larger fractures.
  - Root Canal + Crown – if the crack extends into the pulp.
  - Extraction & Replacement – if the tooth is beyond saving.

Gum Disease or Gum-Related Pain

- Treatment:
  - Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) – removes plaque and tartar below the gums.
  - Antibiotic Therapy – local or systemic.
  - Surgery – in advanced cases to reduce pockets and regenerate tissue.

Sensitivity-Related Pain

- Causes: Worn enamel, exposed roots, recent whitening, or small cavities.
- Treatment:
  - Desensitizing Toothpaste or fluoride varnishes.
  - Bonding agents to cover exposed root surfaces.

Jaw or Bite-Related Pain

- Causes: Grinding (bruxism), TMJ disorder, or misaligned bite.
- Treatment:
  - Night guard to protect teeth.
  - Orthodontic treatment if bite issues are severe.
  - TMJ therapy (exercises, physical therapy, medications, or splints).

👉 General Approach:

- Mild, temporary pain → may just need sensitivity treatment or filling.
- Persistent, severe, or throbbing pain → often infection, needing root canal or extraction.
- Gum swelling or abscess → urgent treatment required.