Are you experiencing a toothache?
If you’re experiencing a toothache, you know it isn’t fun. There are many potential causes of toothaches. To treat a toothache, you’ll need to contact our Lincoln dentist immediately, so they can determine the cause of the problem.
This can make sleeping, concentrating, and simple daily activities a challenge. Patients who start treatment or begin a regimen of antibiotics may notice their toothache is reduced or gone. This can be a tremendous relief! Sometimes, patients forget to complete their treatment or choose not to come back because they are no longer in pain. However, pain relief is only the first step in treating many dental problems. Ignoring necessary treatment may result in future dental emergencies including infection, more severe dental pain, and tooth loss.A toothache is usually a nagging, constant pain that is tough to handle. A toothache makes it hard to concentrate on everyday tasks, and can gradually worsen until it becomes unbearable. Most dentists will recommend that you make an appointment at the first twinge of a toothache, even if it’s mild. The more you let the tooth decay, the worse the toothache will become – so it’s always a good idea to get the problem resolved as early as possible.
What can our Lincoln dentists do?
When you visit your dentist, the first task will be to identify which tooth is aching. Often, with a toothache, the pain can feel as though the entire side of your mouth and jaw are sore or throbbing. In these situations, your dentist will have to identify which tooth has the cavity. If the cavity is still relatively small, your dentist can fill it. They will need to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out and that any sign of infection is removed. This may involve drilling into the tooth a little deeper to clear away the decay. Come to Northstar to find your Lincoln dentist!
Sometimes, a tooth which has been weakened by a cavity may fracture or split. When this happens, the dental concern is much more serious. A crown is usually required for a tooth where decay has made it structurally unsound. Your Lincoln dentist will drill away the decay and shape the tooth, so that a crown can fit over the top of the entire tooth. The crown protects the damaged tooth while enabling the natural tooth to stay in place. Finally, if the decay has reached the nerves of the tooth, there is a possibility that infection has set in which cannot be reversed. When this happens, the nerve tissue will need to be removed using a technique called root canal treatment. During this process, your dentist will drill into the tooth and take out the nerve tissue in the root of the tooth. Though the tooth now has no blood supply or nerve endings, it can continue to function, so it does not need to be extracted.
What can you do about your Toothache?
Once decay has set into one of your teeth, professional treatment is inevitable. While you are not going to be able to cure your toothache at home, there may be a couple of things that you can do to ease your pain until you can see your dentist. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your jaw can help ease the pain of a toothache. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers to help with pain. You may also apply clove oil to the affected tooth. If you can identify the sore tooth and the cavity, you may be able to cover it temporarily with a piece of sugar-free gum or a piece of dental wax until you can make it to the dentist. Covering the cavity will temporarily prevent the tooth from being so sensitive.
How to Prevent a Toothache
Excellent treatment for a toothache is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Proper home care and oral hygiene are imperative as well as regular six-month cleanings and exams to prevent decay. In most cases, a toothache results from the onset of severe decay. Regular brushing and flossing will help prevent the build-up of plaque. Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse will also help to ensure that the enamel on your teeth remains strong. Regular visits to the dentist will allow your dentist to monitor your teeth to predict and prevent cavities before they become more severe and cause further damage, such as a toothache.
“Where Can I Find an Emergency Dentist Near Me?”
If your child has a toothache, you’re probably thinking “Where can I find an emergency dentist near me?” Luckily, we convenient dental clinic locations throughout Lincoln to serve you better: Coddington in West Lincoln, Southpointe in Southwest Lincoln, Lincoln Family Dentistry in Central Lincoln, and Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry in Northeast Lincoln, South Lincoln Family Dentistry in South Lincoln, and Preserve in East Lincoln.
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Nebraska Family Dentistry Has 7 Locations in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Family Dentistry
(Central Lincoln)
402-467-1000
Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry
(Northeast Lincoln)
402-890-8000
South Lincoln Family Dentistry
(South Lincoln)
402-413-7700
Preserve Family Dentistry
(East Lincoln)
402-413-7000
Northstar Dental
(North Lincoln)
402-742-0000
Coddington Dental
(West Lincoln)
402-438-5555
SouthPointe Dental
(Southwest Lincoln)
402-423-3333