Tooth Pain or Toothache Treatment in Indianapolis

Tooth Pain or Toothache Treatment

A toothache is a mild or severe pain in or around a tooth that may be
caused by a variety of reasons such as infection or injury.

Other possible causes of toothache include:

  • Tooth decay

  • Abscess (formation of pus around a tooth)

  • Cracked, chipped or broken tooth

  • A broken filling

  • Repetitive motions such as bruxism (teeth grinding)

  • Gum disease or periodontitis

When to make an emergency call to your dentist

If you have a sharp, throbbing, or constant pain that stops you from
your regular activity, it is time to make an emergency call. Other signs
that indicate a problem include a toothache accompanied by:

Dental exam and treatment for toothache

At the dental office, your dentist will do an examination. Some of
the questions they’ll ask include:

  • Where is the pain located?

  • When did it start?

  • Is it mild or severe?

  • Is it ongoing or does it come and go?

  • What makes the pain worse and what gives you relief?

Possible treatments include:

  • Dental filling – If your pain is caused
    by tooth decay, your dentist will clean the tooth and apply a
    filling.

  • Tooth extraction – A tooth that is
    severely damaged by decay may have to be extracted and replaced with an
    implant.

  • Root canal – For a tooth that has a
    damaged pulp, the infected pulp tissue may be removed through a root
    canal procedure.

Home remedies for toothaches

It is good to observe your tooth pain for 1 or 2 days before booking
an appointment with your dentist. This allows you to understand possible
causes of your pain and or give time for the pain to subside without
medication. However, if your pain is severe or your tooth is leaking
pus, book an emergency appointment right away.

While you are at home, relieve your pain with the following
remedies.

  • Apply a cold compress on the area of pain for 10 minutes every
    few hours.

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to remove trapped debris
    and disinfect the mouth.

  • Rinse your mouth with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
    Be sure not to swallow the solution.

  • Use over-the-counter pain medications.

Not sure what to do with your toothache? Call us for a
consultation.