What is Causing My Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain arises when the nerve within or surrounding a tooth becomes irritated. It can be caused by tooth decay, injury to the affected tooth, or infection. Pain can also radiate to the jaw and face. Dr. Nancy Y. Schumann is a general dentist located in Williamsburg, VA, she can treat tooth pain and help to protect your teeth and gums from further problems.
Toothache Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from a dull ache to excruciating pain, depending on the cause. At the first sign of tooth pain, you should contact your dentist to prevent the problem from worsening. Symptoms may include:
- Intermittent, stabbing pain
- Persistent pain
- Pain that radiates to your jaw and/or face
- Swollen gums
- Bright red gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Pus from the gums or teeth
You may be tempted to take an over-the-counter pain killer and hope for the best, but a toothache is usually a sign of an underlying problem that needs dental treatment. If it is not treated quickly, you risk developing gum disease or losing a tooth. Williamsburg residents trust Dr. Schumann to treat tooth pain and their general dentistry needs.
When to See Your Dentist
You should seek medical advice immediately if:
- Your pain is persistent and not relieved by over-the-counter medications
- You have recently had a tooth pulled and the pain is at the site of the extraction
- You have any discharge coming from your teeth or gums
- Your tooth pain is accompanied by a fever
- You have a chipped or fractured tooth
- One of your teeth has been knocked out
- The pain is coming from one or more of your wisdom teeth
If you are suffering from tooth pain, contact general dentist Dr. Schumann in Williamsburg on 757-564-0900.