Do you have sudden or severe dental pain? There could be many causes. Call Dr. Paul Karpovich for emergency dental care if your tooth pain or sensitivity is severe. Dr. Karpovich provides prompt treatment for patients who require urgent dental care. He can treat your tooth pain in his Timonium, MD dental office. Here you can discover more about the causes of tooth pain as well as how Dr. Karpovich can reverse your uncomfortable symptoms in-office.
Tooth Pain in Timonium, MD: Causes and Treatments
The most common reasons why patients have sensitive teeth or toothaches may include:
Gum Disease
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that can cause tooth and gum pain or sensitivity. Early signs of gum disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Over time, patients with gum disease may deal with gum recession, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. Dr. Karpovich offers deep cleaning treatments and antibacterial rinses to minimize bacteria in the mouth. These treatments also remove plaque and tartar, or hardened bacteria deposits.
Cavities
Tooth cavities are pits or holes in the tooth enamel caused by dental decay. Similar to gum disease, tooth decay is caused by bacteria buildup on the teeth. Once a dental infection reaches the inside of the tooth, it affects the dental pulp. The dental pulp located within each tooth is made up of blood vessels and nerves. Patients with cavities and decay are more prone to tooth sensitivity and pain. A root canal is the best option for patients with cavities. During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the infected pulp and cleans the inner tooth chamber. Then, they fill the tooth with a white filling to keep the tooth sealed.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are caused by the joints that connect the skull and jawbone. Many patients with TMD experience teeth clenching and grinding, chronic headaches and migraines, jaw pain, and tooth pain. Patients with a misaligned bite or pressure on their TMJ are more likely to experience dental pain or sensitivity. Physical therapy or wearing a nightguard during sleep can stop the teeth from grinding together and also reverses tooth pain.
Tooth Wear
Dental erosion occurs when acids wear away the tooth enamel. Patients with GERD or who consume citric acids found commonly in soda are more prone to dental erosion. Additionally, with age, the tooth enamel can wear down. Erosion and wear can expose the dentin or dark underlayer beneath the tooth enamel. Patients with worn teeth can experience higher tooth sensitivity and pain. Dental veneers, crowns, or tooth bonding treatment are the best options to cover and protect worn teeth.
Treat Tooth Pain Today
Do you require emergency treatment for severe tooth pain? If you are a new patient, call (410) 221-3085. Current patients may call (410) 628-6070. Do you need an examination but do not need emergency care? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Karpovich online today. Let Dr. Karpovich know if you have any questions or concerns at your next visit and he will be happy to help.