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Toothaches can happen for many different reasons. In some cases, people will experience sharp, dull, or radiating pain as a result of low-risk problems—such as sensitive teeth or ear infections. But in other instances, symptoms can be a sign of a serious oral health issue that requires immediate care from a dentist. If you’re experiencing dental pain and recognize the following signs, its time to visit the doctor.  

Pain Is Severe or Doesn’t Go Away

If your toothache is severe enough to keep you from your regular activities or doesn’t go away after one to two days, you may be suffering from a dental infection or an exposed nerve. If the pain is near the back of the mouth—close to the molars—it may be connected to an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be removed. Whatever the underlying cause, only a dentist has the tools and experience necessary to provide a reliable fix and prevent the problem from getting worse.

There Are Signs of Infection

toothacheIf a toothache occurs without warning, stay on the lookout for signs of a dental infection. For instance, if an abscess has developed, the surrounding gum tissue may be swollen or producing drainage. Other common indicators include fever or a headache. Since they will not go away on their own, see a dentist to keep the problem from spreading. Often, these issues are resolved through root canal therapy or tooth extraction.  

Your Tooth Is Injured

When pain occurs soon after trauma to the mouth, the tooth may be injured. If possible, inspect it to see if it has been knocked loose, chipped, or broken. Other signs of dental trauma include swelling and bleeding. If you recognize any of these signs, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible, as they’ll provide treatment to repair the damage and stop the pain.

 

If you’re experiencing a toothache in Waynesboro, VA, relief is only an appointment away with Lisa Tatum, DDS. Dr. Tatum uses state-of-the-art tools to diagnose dental pain and offers effective treatments. The local dentist also provides a variety of preventive services, as well as general and restorative dentistry. Visit the office online to learn more about how she can assist, or call (540) 943-0973 to schedule an oral exam today.

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