Do you or one of your children have an aching tooth? A toothache isn’t just a source of discomfort, this could also be a warning sign for tooth decay and other serious oral health issues. Which is why you shouldn’t ignore one, instead you should contact your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist for treatment!
The Causes of Aching Teeth
In a few cases, your aches could be caused by factors like sinus infections, allergies, cold weather, or even changes in elevation, such as riding in an airplane or traveling to a more mountainous region. But these aches will be short lived, and vanish after a few hours. However, a toothache that lasts for more than a day could mean the presence of a cavity, and identifying it could allow infections to develop that threaten the stability of a smile!
Don’t Ignore Discomfort
A cavity means that harmful oral bacteria has come into contact with the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth. The outer enamel protects the dentin, but poor oral hygiene habits or injury could erode/damage the enamel. This exposes the dentin. The cavity will grow with time, spreading throughout the tooth. Once it reaches the inner pulp, an infection develops. Your toothaches could then mean pain when you eat, as well as swelling near the tooth, a discharge from it, or pain radiating into your jaw and face. The tooth could become lost, or require extraction to protect the smile from the spread of infection. However, we can treat the pain and help protect the smile!
Treatment with Fillings, Crowns, and More
For most cases of tooth decay in both kids and adults, we can place a filling. We use a metal-free option that is safe for all ages. The composite resin material we use can be shaded to blend with the rest of the tooth, offering a lifelike appearance. We could also use crowns for more severe cases, especially if an infection has developed. After we remove the infected tissues, we will add a medicated filling and place a crown. For the side and rear teeth, we may use durable stainless steel. But lifelike zirconia could be used for the front facing ones, protecting smile esthetics.
Avoiding Future Aches and Sensitivity
To protect your smiles from cavities and infection, take time to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss every evening! Be sure you see us for checkups and cleanings every six months too.
Time to See Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
We want to help kids maintain good oral health, and avoid major complications like decay or dental infection. To learn more about how we help kids and adults alike enjoy better oral health, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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