How Long Should It Take to Identify the Cause of a Toothache?
I’ve seen my dentist twice for a toothache I’ve had since last August. My last dental exam and clean appointment was in May, and my dentist said the tooth looks fine in the x-ray. My dentist prescribed antibiotics last week, but I am concerned about losing the tooth since they don’t have any other recommendations. What is the average time for finding what’s causing a toothache? Thanks, Johan, from Seattle
Johan,
Your toothache began after X-rays in May, so a new image is necessary. The earlier films may have been bitewings, which are useful for checking cavities but don’t show the tips of the roots. A periapical X-ray can reveal whether the tooth pulp is infected, which could be causing your pain.
How Can a Dentist Identify What’s Causing a Toothache?
A toothache can have several causes besides a cracked filling. Dentists have additional diagnostic tools to better understand your symptoms. A careful evaluation may include:
- Gently tapping the tooth to see if it triggers discomfort
- Applying cold to observe whether it worsens or eases the pain
- Using heat for comparison
- Running an electrical test to check whether the nerve is still alive
These tests help determine what’s happening inside the tooth and how to treat it to relieve your toothache.
Why Is Antibiotics-Only Treatment Risky?
While antibiotics can reduce symptoms, they don’t remove infections inside the tooth. The bacteria can linger and return once you finish the the medication. Effective toothache remedy involves treating the tooth with root canal treatment to remove the infection and protecting the tooth with a crown.
If you’ve tried antibiotics without improvement, consider consulting another dentist for a second opinion and a lasting solution.
Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read about his efforts to provide some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.