Dental pain can be severe. In fact, it can develop rapidly into something so severe that you can’t think of anything else. Fortunately, there are many ways that dentists can get you out of pain, which will always be the priority at an emergency dental appointment.
The dentists at Aura Dental in St John’s Wood attempt to see emergency cases on the same day, and to get the patient out of pain. Further appointments are often needed to fully rectify the underlying condition.
Pain is the body’s indicator that something isn’t right, and it should never be ignored. Think dental pain and you’ll probably think toothache, but that’s just one cause of soreness and discomfort in the mouth. Tooth pain is usually caused by decay or infection, and can be accompanied by a dental abscess – a painful, pus-filled swelling.
Enamel erosion can also lead to sensitivity and pain. This can be caused by a diet too high in fizzy drinks, sweet or acidic foods, by incorrect toothbrushing technique, as a side-effect of eating disorders such as bulimia, or of severe morning sickness during pregnancy. It is often first noticed when you experience sharp pain drinking a steaming hot cup of tea or biting into an ice lolly.
Other common causes of dental pain include temporary discomfort after oral surgery, teeth that have been cracked or broken in an accident, and persistent mouth ulcers. Denture-wearers are also prone to experiencing oral thrush and denture sore mouth caused by rubbing.
The treatment you will need will depend on the nature and reason behind your pain. A decayed tooth can often be repaired and filled at a single appointment, whilst an infected tooth is likely to need at least two appointments for root canal treatment.
A dental abscess is usually drained at the first appointment, but will take a few days to fully heal. Restoration for broken teeth will depend on the type and amount of damage: fillings and composite bonding will need just one session, whilst inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers may require two or more.
Any pain after oral surgery should last just a few days. It can usually be managed by taking over-the-counter painkillers.