What’s Causing Your Toothache?

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Some people believe dental pain is the worst kind of pain. Whether a toothache is sharp, dull, nagging, or intermittent, specific types of pain can point toward the cause. All toothaches should be investigated by a respected, experienced dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Fairfield dentist and prosthodontist Dr. Gary Horblitt treats patients with gentleness and understanding. He’ll listen to you closely, and then explain any tests or radiography (X-rays) that could help pinpoint your diagnosis. Once he has your health history, medications, test results, and x-rays, he will develop a treatment plan to get you out of pain fast.

If you need to see a dentist today for your toothache, call Gary Horblitt, DDS, at 203-335-1011 for an emergency appointment. We will get you in as soon as possible!

  • Sudden, sharp pain when biting

This symptom could indicate a cavity, crack, or damaged dental work. In some cases, an internal tooth infection develops.

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold

This may indicate tooth enamel erosion, receding gums, and/or exposed teeth roots at the base of teeth. Causes include brushing too hard and often, worn or damaged dental work, or tooth decay.

  • Pain after eating anything

Oftentimes, this symptom involves a lingering toothache after a meal. It can signify a deep cavity, damaged dental work, or damage to the nerve inside a tooth.

  • Sensitivity to sweet or acidic foods/beverages
    Dental enamel erosion or early tooth decay, called demineralization, can result in this kind of toothache. In some patients, damaged dental work or a tooth fracture is the culprit.
  • Continual dull ache

This pain can be confused with a sinus infection. A dull, persistent toothache may be caused by pulpitis, an infection of the dental pulp within a tooth’s core. Pulpitis may develop due to a deep cavity, fracture, habitual grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism), or other dental trauma.

  • Pain that throbs

Many times, a throbbing toothache stems from a dental abscess at the root or inside the painful tooth. You may also experience fever, a foul taste, and greater pain when lying down. Deep cavities or gingivitis (gum disease) may also cause a tooth to throb.

  • Earache or jaw pain

Sometimes confused with a sinus infection, ear and jaw pain may develop when a tooth is impacted, a common problem for wisdom teeth (third molars). A dental or gum infection, or an abscess, can cause pain to radiate to the jaw and ear. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ, can also cause ear and jaw pain.

  • Pressure in the upper arch, back teeth

Usually, pressure in this location isn’t actually a toothache; it’s sinus pressure. However, in some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth is to blame.

Call Us Today!

Dr. Horblitt believes in conservative dentistry. He’ll preserve the most healthy, natural tissue as possible when delivering treatment. Patients appreciate his style of dentistry, as well as his welcoming personality.

If you have a toothache, it’s vital that you visit a dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, toothaches can cause tooth loss, abscess, or even death due to blood-borne infection from a diseased tooth.

Call us today at 203-335-1011 for your one-on-one visit with Dr. Horblitt.