Contact your dentist right away if you’re experiencing tooth pain. Tooth pain can be caused by infections or damage, and left untreated, may lead to significant dental issues. Severe chronic pain in one or more teeth is referred to as “odontalgia.” This type of pain does not come and go, but instead is characterized by persistent throbbing. Often, those who are experiencing tooth pain from infections may need endodontic care such as a root canal, or periodontal treatment to address gum disease. Find endodontic or periodontal care in Columbia, MD with the assistance of Dr. Michael Hsu at Columbia Smiles today.
Odontalgia: Severe Toothaches
Odontalgia is also known as atypical face pain. What makes this type of toothache atypical? While typical toothaches can be brought on by hot or cold food or beverages or by using a damaged tooth, odontalgia is chronic and doesn’t seem to be affected by use. Typical toothaches (known as dentalgia) also have easily identifiable causes, like decay or an injury. However, odontalgia could be tooth pain from an infection, could result from periodontal treatment, or could have a cause that is not easy to determine.
Constant throbbing pain characterizes odontalgia. It can also spread to other teeth or areas of the mouth. Additionally, anesthetics might not relieve the pain.
What can you do to treat odontalgia? If you’re experiencing chronic pain even after a dental procedure, reach out to your dentist right away. They can look into what may have caused this pain and can devise a treatment plan to resolve it.
Causes of Odontalgia
If you’ve had a filling or root canal done, only to experience pain later, it’s possible that you’re experiencing odontalgia. Typically, this pain begins after procedures are completed to address decay, damage, or infection. With so many nerve endings inside the tooth, even a tiny bit of decay or damage can cause severe pain. A root canal that doesn’t remove all of the damaged tissue inside of a tooth can result in chronic pain and sensitivity. Unfortunately, this type of pain often persists for months or even years with little resolution. More procedures might not resolve the issue. Gum disease, known as periodontal disease, can also cause chronic pain.
Prevention is the best way to avoid odontalgia or tooth pain from infections. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help you avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria on your teeth. Additionally, visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams can help you address minor issues before they lead to major problems.
Odontalgia doesn’t need to derail your life. If you’re ready for relief from chronic pain, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Howard County, MD. You can count on Dr. Hsu at Columbia Smiles for expert care in a comfortable, welcoming dental practice.
Help for Toothaches at Columbia Smiles
Severe tooth pain can impact your quality of life. At Columbia Smiles, we offer diagnostic dentistry services to treat tooth pain that may have been caused by damage or decay. If you’re in need of emergency dental services, reach out to our office right away. We’ll help relieve pain and treat it at the source.
In addition to offering periodontal treatment to address gum disease, Columbia Smiles offers:
- Cosmetic dentistry – Teeth whitening and dental veneers can boost your confidence in your smile
- General dentistry – Routine cleanings and exams can prevent decay and catch any oral health issues early
- Laser dentistry – Lasers can assist with certain dental procedures and help speed healing
Connect with Dr. Hsu today at 410.690.4855 or reach out online if you’re ready to schedule an appointment.
