No one enjoys pain. And if your tooth is hurting, you want relief-fast, whatever the cause might be. At Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas, we are experts in toothache and all areas of gentle dentistry. With convenient hours, three highly trained dentists, and full supportive staff, we are here to help you get relief from toothache.
Same-Day Appointments for Toothache in Houston
If your tooth-related pain is severe or is otherwise urgent, we will work with you to accommodate the same day visit whenever possible. Call our Houston-based toothache dentists immediately if you notice redness and/or swelling of the jaw, gums, or tooth, or other signs of tooth infection or damage. In many cases, your tooth can be saved if you act promptly.
In some cases, you may simply need a filling. If so, Dr. Bosse is an expert in all areas of dental treatment, including root canals and dental crowns. He can match the color of the filling to your tooth, making the filling much less noticeable.
Dental Caries (Cavities)
One of the most common causes of tooth pain is tooth decay. Cavities or dental caries are damaged areas that may appear as dark or gray spots on the tooth. Some cavities are only visible on an X-ray. Others may be more obvious; look like holes, or pitted areas on the surface of a tooth. They may cause pain when you eat or drink; make it difficult to bite down or chew. Also, there might be sweet or cold sensitivity.
Root Canals in Houston
Depending on the extent of the damage, and if the nerve has started to die, or the surrounding tissues are infected or abscessed, causing the toothache, the inner tissue of the tooth may need to be removed with the help of a dentist. This dental procedure is known as a root canal.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist carefully removes all the decayed tooth structure, as well as the pulp and nerve of the affected tooth. The root is cleaned and then sealed, and a crown is created to protect and repair the surface of the tooth.
The cap, or dental crown, provides structural support to help prevent the loss of the tooth. Without treatment, the inner tissues of the tooth, such as the pulp and nerve, can become abscessed and infected. This infection can spread to other areas of the gums, bones, and tissues of the mouth.
If a tooth is lost, it can cause other dental issues, such as loss of bone density and or an increased chance of losing bone height on other nearby teeth. Click here to learn more about dental implants to replace missing teeth.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities are caused by the acids released by certain types of bacteria within the mouth. These bacteria feed on the sugars in food particles left on your teeth after you eat or drink. As bacteria multiply, they meld with saliva and food particles to create a biofilm known as plaque. Plaque contains destructive toxins as well as acids produced by the bacteria. These can irritate gum tissues and erode the surface of your teeth, leading to cavities.
One of the most common causes of cavities is eating sugary or starchy foods, which promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Regular brushing helps to remove and reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, especially when combined with other good oral practices such as using an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste, rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating when you cannot brush, flossing daily and regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Cavities Do Not Get Better on Their Own
Untreated cavities will not heal on their own and should be treated as soon as possible by a dentist. Early detection and treatment are critical to protecting your smile. At Greenspoint Dental in Houston, we provide gentle dentistry, with an emphasis on your comfort and care. We proudly offer pain relieving treatment options such as IV sedation dentistry, local anesthetic and nitrous oxide to help you relax through your treatment.
Sedation Dentistry in Houston
If the idea of visiting the dentist causes you anxiety, we can help. Sedation dentistry allows you to get the expert care you need while remaining calm and comfortable. Tooth pain is not something you should ignore. If you have a toothache, notice a cavity, feel pain when you eat or drink something cold or sweet, or think that you may need a filling or even a root canal, you should contact our dentists in Houston immediately.
If you live or work in the Houston area and would like to learn more about how we can help with toothaches, cavities, crowns, and or root canals, please call (281) 823-9987 or click here to schedule an appointment today.
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