Your mouth, tooth or jaw hurts, and you’re not sure why; that’s a distressing feeling. The good news is that a dental exam, sometimes with x-rays, can help us determine the cause of the problem rather quickly. Even more good news: we can treat the problem during the same visit.
A toothache can be caused by a dental cavity, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease or even a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint — we call that last one “TMJ.” If a cavity is causing the pain, we can often fill the tooth during the same visit. Likewise, a cracked tooth can be treated and protected with a temporary crown while we prepare for the permanent covering.
If the source of your pain appears to be from joint or gum problems, we’ll discuss your treatment options thoroughly and decide on the best course of action.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, treat the discomfort with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter medications also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Trust your dental care to Livonia Family Dental and we’ll have you feeling better in no time.