Toothaches

A "toothache" is pain typically from within or around a tooth or teeth. In most instances, toothaches are caused by a dental problem, such as a dental cavity, a cracked or fractured tooth, an exposed tooth root, or gum disease. Diseases of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint), or spasms of the muscles used for chewing can cause toothache like symptoms. Sometimes even a sinus infection can result in a sensation in the upper teeth similar to tooth pain.

The severity of a toothache can range from a dull ache to severe and excruciating pain. The pain may be aggravated by chewing and liquids which are cold or hot. An oral examination, with tooth testing and appropriate dental x-rays, can help determine the cause.

Extractions (General Procedure)

When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be removed, or extracted.

Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases, a patient who has a tooth removed experiences little or no discomfort, and only minor bleeding.

Patients who have had teeth extracted need to take precautions following the procedure to ensure that infection doesn't occur.

Smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids through straws are discouraged during the post-operative period because they hinder healing and may cause the wound to open. Cold compresses applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce any swelling and promote faster healing.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back corners of the upper and lower jaw. A lot of people experience problems from wisdom teeth if they don’t come in properly commonly referred as impacted, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth.

Many people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid a number of problems.