Severe toothaches, ones where the throbbing tooth pain comes and goes, can be debilitating, preventing you from participating or enjoying daily activities. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, connect with your dentist right away. This pain could be caused by gum disease, decay, or damage, and if left untreated, these issues can lead to even more significant problems. For dental exams, root canals, or periodontal treatments in Columbia, MD, make an appointment at Columbia Smiles with Dr. Hsu today.
Potential Causes of Throbbing Tooth Pain That Comes and Goes
Tooth pain can keep you from sleeping, eating, and fulfilling your normal responsibilities. In addition, it’s possible for toothaches to be accompanied by bad odors or uncomfortable swelling,
To address throbbing tooth pain, knowing and understanding the causes are important. There are several different issues that can lead to throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes. These include:
- Tooth decay – Bacteria and the related plaque can build up on the teeth leading to decay
- Gum disease – Bacteria underneath the gums can lead to inflammation, swelling, and even gum loss
- A fractured tooth – Fractures can leave the nerve endings of the teeth exposed and vulnerable
- A damaged filling – If a filling to treat a cavity is damaged, further decay is possible
One of the most frustrating aspects related to chronic toothaches is that the tooth pain can return as soon as you think it has subsided for good. Often, tooth pain is triggered by hot or cold foods or beverages. Chewing with the affected tooth can also trigger pain. In other cases, throbbing tooth pain seemingly arises out of nowhere.
All tooth pain is a reason to visit your dentist. Addressing the cause of tooth pain early on can help you avoid more complicated procedures down the road.
Treatment for Throbbing Tooth Pain
If your tooth requires a filling, we will provide this service within our office. Cavity fillings are relatively common procedures that involve cleaning out the decayed structure and replacing it with an inert material. These procedures can be completed quickly at Columbia Smiles and can prevent future problems down the road. However, in some cases, if decay is not caught quickly or if other parts of the tooth have decayed, a root canal may be necessary.
Since this kind of tooth pain is often caused by damage or decay inside of the tooth, treatment must address the dental pulp as well. If your tooth pain is caused by inflammation within your tooth, we would recommend a root canal treatment and refer you to one of our trusted Endodontist.
Root canals involve cleaning out the interior of a tooth. The tissue within the roots of the teeth can be susceptible to damage. During a root canal, an endodontist will remove this tissue, sanitize the interior of the tooth, and fill it.
If tooth pain is caused by gum disease, periodontal treatment is necessary. Removing plaque from underneath the gums is the first step in addressing periodontal disease, and further periodontal treatment can be provided as needed.
Periodontal Treatment at Columbia Smiles
During your dental visit at Columbia Smiles, we will assess your gums and teeth, if needed we will recommend periodontal treatment. If you’re experiencing throbbing tooth pain, it’s possible that gum disease could be at the cause of it. Dr. Hsu will develop a treatment plan to restore your teeth and gums to health.
In addition to periodontal treatment, we offer cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry services. Keep your teeth healthy through routine cleanings and get the smile you want through teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic procedures.
Connect with our team today at 410.690.4855 or reach out online to schedule an appointment. Discover why we’ve been trusted by Howard County residents for over 35 years.
