Emergency Toothache in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire

Toothache refers to pain around the teeth and jaws. It can be one of the most unbearable pains you will experience and can have many different causes. Seeing a dentist regularly will help to keep your teeth healthy and reduce the chances of this happening.

Causes:

• Cavities. A cavity is caused by dental decay. The bacteria in our mouth turns sugar in the foods that we eat into acid. Over time, the acid dissolves the enamel and the dentine in the tooth causing a cavity. Small shallow cavities are often unnoticed and cause no pain, but the deeper bigger cavities will start to become painful.

• Nerve dying inside the tooth. Once the decay spreads to the pulp chamber inside the tooth, the nerve becomes inflamed and will begin to die. Once the nerve is dead, the bacteria spreads down the root canals causing an infection to develop into a classic tooth abscess. Most people experience severe pain and require antibiotics and dental treatment.

• Pain following dental treatment. There is always a risk after having dental treatment eg fillings and crowns, that the patient could experience pain. This can be either due to the nerve dyeing, or trauma caused by drilling.

• Gum disease. Gum disease (also known as periodontitis) is a condition affecting the gums surrounding the teeth. This is caused by the bacteria in plaque irritating the gums and causing the gum to detach from the root surface creating a ‘pocket’. Once the gum is detached, plaque accumulates in the ‘pocket’ causing further destruction of the supporting structures around the tooth. In the late stages of this condition, the teeth will start to loosen up and fall out. Treatment involves regular hygiene visits for tooth scaling and root planing as well as meticulous oral hygiene at home. Once the disease gets to an advanced stage, it is irreversible but its progression can be slowed.

• Other causes. These can include cracked teeth, pain from orthodontic work, sinusitis and ulcers.

I’m in pain, what do I do?

The first thing to do if you are experiencing toothache is to take a painkiller. A combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen is very effective if you are able to take these.

Secondly, if you are near Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire, contact us at The Bank House Dental Centre for an emergency appointment. We try to see patients with dental emergencies on the same day if possible.