Dental Pain
Dental pain is caused by a variety of issues and problems related
to the mouth, jaw, or teeth. Whether you need to improve your oral hygiene, have issues with bruxism, or pain caused by trauma, you need to have one of our professional staff see you as soon as possible.
The information providing in the table below will help you identify and explain your pain when you meet with Dr. Carreira or a memeber of our staff. Please take the time to review the information provided.
Dental pain symtoms presented here are:
Sharp pain when biting down
Severe mouth pain, pressure, or swelling that does not go away
A dull ache in upper teeth and jaw
Pain in the head, neck, or ear that does not go away
Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets
Persistent pain after eating something hot or cold
| Possible Cause | Possible Treatment |
|---|---|
| Tooth decay or a loose filling | A filling or a new restoration |
| An infection ofthe pulp layer of the tooth | Root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue |
| A cracked tooth | A crown to protect, strengthen, and save the tooth |
Return to symtoms listSevere mouth pain, pressure, or swelling that does not go away
| Possible Cause | Possible Treatment |
|---|---|
| An abscess of a tooth root, in the gum tissue, or in the jaw bone | Root canal, extraction, gum treatment, or other procedures may be required. Call us to make an emergency appointment and take over-the-counter pain meds until we are able see you. |
Return to symtoms listA dull ache in upper teeth and jaw
| Possible Cause | Possible Treatment |
|---|---|
| Grinding or clenching the teeth (a.k.a. bruxism) may cause a dull ache in the upper jaw with sensitive teeth and sore muscles (a.k.a. TMJ) | A nightguard, bite adjustment, muscle relaxants, or other treatment may be required. |
| An abscess of a tooth root in the gum tissue or jawbone | Root canal procedure, gum cleaning, or other treatment |
| A sinus headache or a sinus infection (upper, back teeth are located next to the sinus cavity) | A medical doctor is able to treat pain from sinus. Antibiotics and over-the-counter sinus medications may reduce sinus pain. |
Return to symtoms listPain in the head, neck, or ear that does not go away
| Possible Cause | Possible Treatment |
|---|---|
| Damaged or infected nerve tissue in the teeth | Root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infection |
| Problems is bruxism in the jaw joints (TMJ) or spasm of the muscles that move the jaw | A nightguard or full time orthotic, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medication |
Return to symtoms listSensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets
| Possible Cause | Possible Treatment |
|---|---|
| Dental treatment (temporary tooth sensitivity is normal after any dental treatment as it can disturb the nerves within the tooth) | Will usually subside within several days. Over-the-counter meds are often helpful. Sometimes bite adjustment is needed. |
| Tooth whitening (minimal tooth sensitivity is normal after whitening) | Pain should subside after several days. Sensitive-teeth toothpaste or fluoride also is helpful. |
| Gum recession | Tooth-colored filling to cover area, sensitive-teeth toothpaste or fluoride |
| Loose or cracked filling | Replace with new restoration |
| Cracked tooth | Can often be saved with an onlay or crown to protect tooth |
Return to symtoms listPersistent pain after eating something hot or cold
| Possible Cause | Possible Treatment |
|---|---|
| Deep decay or a fractured tooth | A crown and or a root canal to save the tooth |
Return to symtoms listIf you are experiencing even the slightest pain in your mouth, jaw, or teeth, call 207-947-4767 or schedule an appointment today.
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