How Long Will a Toothache Last to Know It’s a Cavity?
Toothaches are considered some of the most painful dental conditions. Regardless of whether you have a mild or severe toothache, you may experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms including sharp, throbbing, or constant pain, tooth pain that only arises when you apply pressure, swollen gums, a bad taste in the mouth, and even a headache or fever.
You may find that these symptoms prevent you from sleeping, eating, and participating in your daily activities. To relieve your symptoms and feel better, try applying an ice pack or bag of frozen veggies to the side of your face. You can also take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and/or applying a hot pack to the side of your jaw may help as well.
Although there are a variety of reasons you may face a toothache, the most common one is that you have a cavity. Also known as tooth decay, a cavity occurs when the hard surface of your teeth is permanently damaged and develops tiny holes or openings. By developing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist every six months, you can reduce your risk of cavities.
If your toothache lasts for more than a day or two, you may have a cavity and should visit the dentist as soon as possible. In the event Dr. Wells does find that you have a cavity, he will recommend immediate treatment. The type of treatment he recommends will depend on the severity of your cavity. However, in most cases, he’ll suggest a filling or crown. If your cavity is very severe, you may need a root canal.
Contact Wells Family Dental Group
If you have a toothache that lasts for more than a day, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Wells right away so he can pinpoint the root cause of the problem. We look forward to meeting you!