There are many different factors that can cause a toothache, ranging from minor issues to severe dental problems.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe or throbbing pain

• Darkness or discoloration on a tooth

• Fever with toothache

• Visible damage to your tooth

• A pimple-like bump near your tooth

How you should handle a toothache:

Rinse your mouth and floss around the area to remove any irritating food debris.

If pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication and contact us immediately.

A tooth that has been lost due to trauma qualifies as a dental emergency.

In fact, treatment for saving the natural tooth is time-sensitive. We strongly recommend calling our office immediately and coming to the practice as soon as possible.

Handle the tooth as little as possible, avoiding the rough root surface. Gently rinse it with clean water and position back in the socket, if possible, or store in a container of milk or sports drink.

Avoid using your dentures for now until your appointment as a broken denture or partial can damage your gums, remaining teeth or jaws.

Avoid using denture repair kits unless instructed, as these are more likely to damage your denture further rather than repair them. If you have a backup denture, you can wear that until your appointment.

Minor cracks or broken teeth may be repaired but more significant damage may require replacement of the entire prosthesis. Following an evaluation, Dr. Schiltz will discuss treatment options that meet your short and long-term goals and individual needs.

A dislodged filling or crown leaves your weakened tooth exposed. Not only is it susceptible to decay, but it also means that your tooth will be unable to function properly.

It is not unusual to experience pain or discomfort. Gently rinse the restoration and your mouth. Place a small dab of toothpaste and place it back onto the tooth, ensuring that you can bite down normally. This will provide a temporary covering for your tooth.

Although there are some exceptions, in general we need to replace a lost restoration with a new one.

Minor cracks or chips can be repairs easily and affordably with tooth-colored fillings. For more significant damage, a crown may be recommended to replace missing tooth structure and strengthen what remains.

Jaw discomfort can make managing day-to-day life difficult, but it is not considered a dental emergency unless you are stuck in an open or closed position. Take note of your symptoms and call our office. You may take over-the-counter painkillers or use an ice pack to get relief.

Management includes custom-made oral appliances to manage symptoms related to grinding, clenching, and TMJ disorders.