Toothaches

What To Do About Your Toothache - Midtown East Manhattan, NY

 man holding cheek in pain has toothache Manhattan, NY Midtown East emergency dentist

At one time or another, you have probably experienced some degree of tooth pain, from minor toothaches and sensitivity to acute distress. In general, the sensation of pain is a protective response that tells the body something is wrong. But when it affects your teeth, the exact source of the pain can be difficult to pinpoint; it may also come and go in response to other stimuli, like eating hot foods. So what is a toothache signaling, and what should you do about it?

The most common cause of dental pain and toothaches is tooth decay, a bacterial infection that can spread through many parts of the tooth, and even into the gum tissue. Traumatic damage and gum disease can also result in tooth pain.

Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and other matter. Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between the tooth and another tooth. Avoid placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain, because the dissolving aspirin can actually harm your gum tissue.

Severe Toothaches & Root Canal Emergencies

Constant Tooth Pain

Constant, severe pain and pressure, swelling of the gums, and sensitivity to touch indicate an infection in the tooth, possibly accompanied by an abscess (inflamed, pus-filled sac) in the surrounding gum and bone tissue. In this case, it's important to see your Manhattan, NY emergency dentist right away — not only to relieve the pain, but also to save the tooth while it's still possible. Our dentists at Emergency Dental Center may need to perform a root canal to remove diseased or dying pulp tissue, and/or periodontal procedures to drain the abscess and stop the infection.

Lingering Tooth Pain

Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods usually indicates disease in the pulp tissue deep inside the tooth. Deep decay or physical trauma to the tooth may have allowed bacteria to infect the pulp tissue or compromise the pulp vitality. As nerves inside the pulp tissue die, the pain may go away, but the infection won't. In fact, it can spread and cause significant damage.

Make an appointment to see one of our emergency dental professionals in Midtown East Manhattan as soon as possible. A root canal may be needed to ease the pain and preserve the tooth.

Sharp pain when biting down on food can be caused by severe tooth decay, a loose filling, a crack in the tooth, or possibly by damaged pulp tissue inside the tooth. It should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve filling, bonding, root canal therapy, or other procedures.

Broken, Fractured, or Displaced Tooth

Midtown East, NY toothache, illustration of tooth pain and toothache Manhattan, NY

A broken, fractured, or displaced tooth is usually not a cause for alarm, as long as decisive, quick action is taken. If the tooth has been knocked out, try to place the tooth back in its socket until you can see your emergency dentist at Emergency Dental Center.

First, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris and place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek near the injury. This will keep down swelling. If you cannot locate the tooth back in its socket, hold the dislocated tooth by the crown - not the root. Next, place it in a container of warm milk, saline, or the victim's own saliva and keep it in the solution until you arrive at our emergency dentist's office in Midtown East, Manhattan, NY.

For a fractured tooth, it is best to rinse with warm water and again, apply a cold pack or compress. Ibuprofen may be used to help keep down swelling. If the tooth fracture is minor, the tooth can be sanded or if necessary, restored by the New York City dentist if the pulp is not severely damaged.

If a child's primary tooth has been loosened by an injury or an emerging permanent tooth, try getting the child to gently bite down on an apple or piece of caramel; in some cases, the tooth will easily separate from the gum.

Suffering from a toothache? Emergency Dental Center can help relieve your pain!
Call our Midtown East Manhattan, NY emergency dental office at (646) 992-0930 to schedule an appointment.

Contact Us

If you need to contact us, feel free to call our emergency dental office in Midtown East, Manhattan, NY at (646) 992-0930!