Empire Dental Group of New Jersey
Alla Pavlushkin, DDS
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Old Bridge, NJ
Tooth pain can strike at any time, making it difficult to bite, chew, or even brush your teeth. At Empire Dental Group of New Jersey, general dentist Alla Pavlushkin, DDS, and the team use a variety of safe treatments to effectively manage tooth pain. To make an appointment at the practice in Old Bridge, New Jersey, call the office today, or click the online booking feature.
Tooth Pain Q & A
What is tooth pain?
Tooth pain is any sensitivity or discomfort that affects one (or multiple) teeth. Almost everyone experiences tooth pain from time to time, but if your symptoms don’t respond to at-home treatment, like over-the-counter pain medication or ice, make an appointment at Empire Dental Group of New Jersey right away.
What causes tooth pain?
Tooth pain occurs for various reasons, including:
- Cavities
- Infected or inflamed tooth pulp
- Oral trauma
- Sensitive teeth
- Teeth grinding
- Clenching your jaw
- Sinus infection
You might also experience tooth pain if you regularly suffer from tension or migraine headaches.
When should I visit a dentist about tooth pain?
It’s important to make an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. Pavlushkin if you experience tooth pain that lasts for more than a day. That’s especially true if your symptoms occur alongside:
- Bad breath
- Fever
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bleeding or discharge from your gums
You should also seek treatment at Empire Dental Group of New Jersey if you experience swelling around your affected tooth or jaw.
How is tooth pain diagnosed?
To diagnose tooth pain, Dr. Pavlushkin reviews your dental health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if any activities like biting down or brushing your teeth make them worse.
Next, Dr. Pavlushkin conducts an oral exam with a small handheld mirror. If she notices any abnormalities, like tooth discoloration or decay, she orders a series of oral X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone.
After determining the source of your tooth pain, Dr. Pavlushkin develops a treatment plan that aligns with your budget and needs.
How is tooth pain treated?
Treatment of tooth pain depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Whenever possible, Dr. Pavlushkin recommends conservative treatments like ice, over-the-counter pain medicine, and improved oral hygiene.
If your pain is due to a cavity or another type of tooth damage, Dr. Pavlushkin might recommend fillings or crowns. If your pain is due to the infected or inflamed tooth pulp, you might benefit from root canal therapy. In the event of a serious infection, extractions might be necessary, but only as a last resort.
To receive treatment for tooth pain, make an appointment at Empire Dental Group of New Jersey. Call the office today, or click the online scheduling feature.