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.

Why Can’t I Get Toothache Relief from My Dentist?

Why can’t I get toothache relief from my dentist? In August, my dentist did a root canal on my lower right second molar. The tooth felt slightly better after the root canal but has not healed. Last week, I had a flareup. I assumed the root canal failed.

My dentist says the tooth looks fine on the X-ray, and the problem is likely neurological. He said I could get my lower left teeth extracted and replaced with dental implants, and I would still feel like I had a toothache. Do I need to see a neurologist or another dentist to get toothache relief? – Thanks. Ryleigh from GA

 

Ryleigh,

We are sorry to hear about your discomfort and lack of resolution. It is common to feel a toothache when the pain is from another source.

Why Can’t You Get Toothache Relief from Your Dentist?

The reason you cannot get toothache relief may be due to the source of your discomfort. Sometimes, pain from one tooth refers to another, a neurological problem may exist, or a gum or sinus infection may be the culprit.

What Are Potential Toothache Sources?

The following concerns can make it challenging to find the source of your toothache:

• Referred pain. At times, an upper tooth infection may cause a lower tooth to feel like it is the source of the pain. Or, an adjacent tooth may have a cavity or infection. Although referred pain does not occur from one side of the mouth to another, it can come from opposite or adjacent teeth.
• Although it is rare, nerve dysfunction can feel like a toothache. Your dentist may be correct that your symptoms are neurological, making it challenging to get toothache relief. Trigeminal neuralgia and migraine are two conditions that can cause tooth pain.
• Sinus or gum infection. A sinus infection can cause upper teeth to feel like they are aching. The sensation from upper teeth can refer to lower teeth. Treating the sinus infection can give you toothache relief. Also, a gum infection or food trapped between teeth and gums can cause tooth pain. Sometimes, receding gums can cause tooth pain. Gum disease treatment or professional dental cleaning can relieve your symptoms.
• Teeth grinding or clenching. If you grind or clench your teeth, the pressure can eventually cause a toothache. A custom nightguard can relieve the stress of grinding your teeth and decrease your symptoms.

If your dentist cannot identify the cause of your discomfort after reviewing your X-ray, refer an endodontist (root canal specialist) or see a skilled dentist for a second opinion. An endodontist’s advanced training can help them determine if your tooth is the source of your discomfort. If the specialist agrees with your dentist, you may need a neurologist. Your dental and healthcare providers can collaborate to give you toothache relief.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is one of the best dentists near the Rocky Hill/Hartford area.

 

How Long Can I Take Ibuprofen for a Toothache?

How long can I take ibuprofen for a toothache? I have put off seeing a dentist for the past three months for an upper right toothache. I think that I have waited too long because it’s throbbing now. The pain went from moderate to severe over the weekend. I am leaving next week for a vacation in Seattle to see family and friends and will be there for three weeks. I am concerned that I might need a root canal. If I see a dentist now, I might miss my trip, but I don’t want to go to an out-of-state emergency room for a toothache. You probably can tell that I have dental anxiety, which is why I have delayed treatment. Can I keep taking ibuprofen for three weeks until I return? Thank you. Brad from NH

Brad,

Thank you for your question. Your concerns about your toothache and how long you can use ibuprofen to minimize the discomfort are valid.

How Long Can You Take Ibuprofen for a Toothache?

According to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Ibuprofen Drug Facts Label, you should stop taking the drug if the pain worsens or lasts more than ten days. Taking too much ibuprofen increases these risks:

• Severe bleeding
• Stomach ulcers
• Kidney damage

Also, the FDA warns that long-term continuous ibuprofen use increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

When Does a Toothache Become an Emergency?

A toothache becomes an emergency when you have prolonged, nagging pain from decay or trauma. But a hospital emergency room cannot resolve the cause of your toothache. Only a dentist can x-ray your tooth and determine whether you have a tooth infection or abscess, and only a dentist can provide the treatment you need.

See a Dentist for a Prolonged Toothache

If you have a prolonged toothache, schedule an appointment with a dentist. Many general dentists leave time in their daily schedule to see patients with dental emergencies. If you call after-hours, you can leave a message, and an on-call dentist will contact you. If you need root canal treatment, you may be able to find a dentist to schedule it before your departure.

Without dental care, you can experience the following complications:

• The tooth infection will spread
• The infection can affect other teeth or your bone
• You may be at risk of losing the tooth

If you cannot see a dentist before your leave for Seattle, rather than seeking a hospital emergency room in Seattle, look for a skilled dentist there willing to examine and x-ray your tooth and provide treatment. Explain your anxiety, and the dentist will discuss sedation options to relax you during treatment.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post.