If you’ve ever tried a home remedy or over-the-counter pain reliever to cure your toothache, but the discomfort came back, there’s a good reason why. In most cases, a sensitive or aching tooth is a sign that the tooth has a more serious problem than you might realize. Like most oral health concerns, this means the only way to effectively cure the toothache is to have it professionally diagnosed and treated at your dentist’s office.
Why at-home remedies aren’t actually a cure
When your tooth hurts badly enough, there can be some value in trying an at-home remedy to relieve it. A topical analgesic or OTC pain reliever might lessen the edge of the discomfort so you can go about your day, or more importantly, schedule a visit with your dentist to have your toothache treated. However, the underlying cause of the pain won’t go away, your toothache will keep returning after the medicine wears away. For instance, if your tooth is sensitive because the enamel around it has grown weak or compromised, it could be the first stage of your tooth developing a cavity. At-home remedies won’t stop your enamel erosion, and ignoring the pain for now will give it more time to lead to the formation of tooth decay and a cavity.
Defining your toothache more accurately
Whether your toothache is a sign of enamel erosion, a more developed cavity, or some other problem with your tooth structure, the only way to address it is with professional dental treatment. First, however, your dentist will have to accurately diagnose the source of your toothache, which will require a comprehensive oral examination to inspect all of your teeth, oral tissues, and structures. The nature and extent of your treatment will depend on your specific tooth problem, but the goal will be to strengthen the tooth, repair its structure (if necessary), and optimize its natural defense mechanisms, including healthy tooth enamel.
Designing the treatment that fits your toothache
If your toothache is severe and/or recurs consistently and frequently, then it may indicate that the problem with your tooth is more severe than you might expect. The specific severity of the problem will directly impact the extent of treatment you need to finally cure your toothache. For instance, if your tooth hurts because of significant decay, then it may need a tooth filling or root canal treatment to restore it. If the tooth is structurally damaged, then capping it with a dental crown might be the most appropriate solution for it.
Learn how we can cure your chronic toothache
A toothache that’s caused by a chronic oral health concern can only be cured by having your dentist diagnose and treat the cause of it. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
