Tooth pain is a common complaint among patients of Woodbridge dentist Dr. Joseph Cavallo. Symptoms can vary widely from one individual to another. Therefore, treatment can vary as well. Some tooth pain is superficial and can be temporary.
Other tooth pain issues can become severe oral health problems. It is important to consult with a trusted dentist before making any conclusions. Dr. Cavallo will listen to your concerns, evaluate your condition, and design a treatment plan to alleviate your tooth pain. He also treats additional dental concerns in his Woodbridge, VA, dental office.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
Understanding the cause of your tooth pain can help you seek the right treatment.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can cause extreme tooth pain, especially when eating hot or cold foods/drinks. For intermittent tooth sensitivity, Dr. Cavallo may suggest a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth to minimize or eliminate tooth pain symptoms. Persistent tooth sensitivity that causes moderate or severe tooth pain can be a sign of tooth grinding, tooth decay, or other dental problems. Dr. Cavallo will examine your teeth and recommend the best course of action.
If you are grinding your teeth, Dr. Cavallo may make a special mouthguard for you to wear at night to stop your teeth from grinding.
Tooth Cavities
A tooth cavity can cause tooth pain when decay or infection reaches the tooth pulp. A root canal is the most common type of treatment for a cavity that is causing toothache. Dr. Cavallo will remove the inflamed or diseased tooth pulp and seal the tooth with a dental crown.
Risks of Cavities
If the pain is severe and causes swelling or fever, you may have an abscessed tooth. This is a serious condition that causes infection of the tooth pulp as well as the surrounding gum and possibly bone. If you are experiencing this type of tooth pain, contact our Woodbridge dental office for an appointment with Dr. Cavallo.
Jaw Pain
If your tooth pain is concentrated in the jaw or face, you may have a TMJ disorder. Tooth pain can be a result of pressure in the jaw joints and/or pressure from grinding or clenching teeth. Some don’t even realize they have a TMJ disorder until evaluated by a dentist. Most symptoms are only active while you sleep, so it is important to catch this disorder early.
Pain While Chewing
If you experience tooth pain when you chew or bite, you could have a cracked tooth, broken crown, or loose filling. Another cause may be tooth decay, in which case a root canal might be necessary. Do not continue chewing if the issue persists. Schedule a visit before it becomes a bigger issue. Dr. Cavallo will examine your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to address the root of the problem.
Recent Trauma to Your Mouth
You may have been playing a contact sport recently and got hit in the mouth. You may have taken a bad tumble and landed on your jaw. Mouth trauma is common and can happen to anyone. Your teeth are strong but can be injured by unforeseen circumstances. It is vitally important to get checked out by a dentist for trauma that has not been looked at by a healthcare professional.
Schedule A Consultation
Dr. Joseph Cavallo has over 41 years of experience in the medical field along with a proven record of patient satisfaction. Give us a call at (703) 490-5888 or request an appointment online today.