A toothache is more than an inconvenience. Tooth pain can be a sign that something is happening inside the tooth, around the gums or beneath an existing filling or crown. If your tooth hurts, it is better to have the problem evaluated than to wait for the pain to become more severe.
At Fontana Dental Group, we evaluate patients experiencing tooth pain and other urgent dental concerns in Fontana, California. The cause of a toothache can vary, so an examination is important for determining what is happening and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Persistent tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist so the underlying cause can be identified.
Severe, persistent or worsening tooth pain should not be ignored. Call Fontana Dental Group at (909) 822-2226 so our team can discuss your symptoms and current appointment availability.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Toothache
Tooth pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Sometimes the discomfort may be related to decay, irritation or sensitivity. In other cases, the source can involve an infection, damage to the tooth or inflammation around the gums.
Pain relievers may temporarily reduce discomfort, but they do not identify or correct the underlying dental problem.
Tooth Decay
Cavities can become more sensitive or painful as decay progresses deeper into the tooth.
Dental Infection
Infection or inflammation inside or around a tooth may cause throbbing pain, tenderness or swelling.
Cracked or Damaged Tooth
A fracture or damaged restoration may expose sensitive areas of the tooth and cause pain when biting.
Gum Problems
Inflamed or receding gums and periodontal problems can contribute to soreness, sensitivity and dental discomfort.
The goal is not simply to quiet the pain. It is to identify what is causing it and determine the appropriate next step.
When Should You Call a Dentist for Tooth Pain?
Contact Fontana Dental Group if your tooth pain is severe, persistent, worsening or accompanied by other symptoms.
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling around the gums or face
- Sensitivity that lingers after hot or cold
- A broken, cracked or damaged tooth
- A loose crown or damaged filling
- Fever or feeling ill along with dental pain
- Pain that continues to become worse
How Fontana Dental Group Evaluates Tooth Pain
The right treatment depends on the cause of the toothache. During your visit, the dentist will examine the affected area and discuss when the pain began, what makes it better or worse and whether you have noticed swelling, sensitivity or other symptoms.
Finding the Source of the Pain
Depending on your symptoms and dental history, your examination may include:
- Examination of the painful tooth and surrounding gums
- Evaluation of fillings, crowns or other dental work
- Testing the tooth for sensitivity or biting discomfort
- Dental X-rays when needed
- Discussion of appropriate treatment options
Treatment Depends on What Is Causing the Toothache
There is no single treatment for tooth pain because different dental problems require different solutions.
A small area of decay may be treated differently from a cracked tooth or an infection involving the tissue inside a tooth. After identifying the cause, the dentist can explain which treatment options may be appropriate.
Don’t Wait for Tooth Pain to Become More Severe
Dental pain sometimes comes and goes, but temporary improvement does not necessarily mean the underlying problem has resolved. If the discomfort returns or continues, schedule a dental evaluation.
Addressing a dental problem earlier may provide more treatment options and can help prevent a condition from becoming more complicated.
Dental swelling accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing can require emergency medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for breathing or swallowing difficulty. For dental pain, swelling or other urgent dental concerns, call Fontana Dental Group at (909) 822-2226.
Have a Toothache? Call Fontana Dental Group
If you are experiencing tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity or another urgent dental concern, contact our Fontana dental office. Same-day appointments may be available when the schedule permits.
