Are you experiencing an intense shooting pain in your teeth or face making it hard to talk, eat, or even breathe normally? If so, you may be experiencing odontalgia. Odontalgia is the medical term for toothache and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. It’s typically caused by a problem with one or more of the teeth, including infection, trauma, or decay. It can also be caused by an issue with the jaw, such as a malocclusion (misalignment of teeth).
Whatever the reason for odontalgia, it’s important to seek dental treatment right away. A qualified dentist can diagnose the reason for your odontalgia and provide appropriate care. Whether you need a filling, a root canal, periodontal treatment services, or another type of dental care, a dentist can help relieve your odontalgia and restore your oral health.
The team at Columbia Smiles, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, is dedicated to providing gentle, comprehensive dental care that helps patients find relief from odontalgia. Call us today at 410.690.4855 to schedule an appointment.
An Overview of Odontalgia
Toothaches of any kind can be categorized as odontalgia, but they can vary in intensity and duration. It’s important to recognize the signs of odontalgia so that you can seek help right away. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, shooting pains
- Dull ache or throbbing sensation
- Pain that worsens when pressure is applied
- Pain that radiates to other areas, such as the head or face
- Difficulty eating or drinking fluids
- Swelling of the gums around the painful tooth
- Fever or chills
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
If you’re experiencing any of these odontalgia symptoms, contact a dentist right away to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Common Causes of Odontalgia
The most common cause of odontalgia is tooth decay, or cavities. When bacteria accumulate on the enamel of your teeth, they can create holes in the surface and eventually reach the root, leading to odontalgia. Other causes include:
- Infection or abscessed tooth
- Deep filling
- Loose dental crown or fractured tooth
- Broken filling
- Sinus infection
- Injury to the head, face, or jaw
- Referred pain from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or other areas of the mouth
- Grinding your teeth at night
- Gum disease
- Hot or cold foods and beverages
Finding Relief from Odontalgia
At Columbia Smiles, we understand the pain odontalgia can cause. Depending on what’s causing your tooth pain, your dentist may recommend a variety of services, including:
- Cleanings and checkups – Regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups can help identify odontalgia-causing problems early on, so they can be treated before becoming severe.
- Fillings – If tooth decay is the cause of your odontalgia, a filling may be used to fill in the decayed area and prevent further damage.
- Root canal – If odontalgia is caused by an infection or abscessed tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the affected pulp and prevent further decay.
- Crowns – Damaged teeth that are causing odontalgia may require a dental crown to protect them from further harm.
- Periodontal treatment – If odontalgia is due to gum disease, periodontal treatment may be needed to restore the health of your gums.
- Surgery – In some cases, odontalgia may require surgery to repair jaw or face injuries.
No matter what the cause of odontalgia is, treatment is available to help.
Schedule an Appointment at Columbia Smiles Today for Pain Relief
Don’t let odontalgia take over your life. Seek help from the experienced team at Columbia Smiles and experience relief as soon as possible. Call us today at 410.690.4855 or reach out online to book an appointment.
