Toothache Treatment in Washington, NJ
Toothaches vary from minor to severe, but whatever the intensity, the patient wants to feel better as soon as possible. Dr. Steven Riesenberg, DMD at Washington Family Dentistry offers the best in diagnostics and restorative solutions to relieve the pressure, throbbing pain and sensitivity to pressure and temperature of the common toothache.
What Causes a Toothache?
Typical toothaches have various symptoms and many causes. Often, a patient comes to Washington Family Dentistry with:
- Throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or a sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling of the jaw
- Redness and/or a pimple at the gum line
- Drainage that is bad-tasting
- Fever
- A general feeling of malaise
- Persistent bad breath
When Should You Seek Treatment for a Toothache?
Dr. Riesenberg urges his patients to contact the office as soon as any symptoms arise. The sooner he diagnoses the problem and treats it, the better the person will feel and the better the outcome of any treatment will be.
Additionally, he recommends these simple first aid interventions to bring temporary relief before seeing the dentist:
- Take over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for discomfort. Do not use aspirin.
- Ice the jaw, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, to reduce swelling.
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to control drainage.
If the toothache comes from oral trauma, save any tooth fragments, and get to Washington Family Dentistry as soon as possible.
How are Toothaches Treated?
Dr. Riesenberg examines aching teeth and performs X-rays to determine the type and the extent of the problem. Commonly, the individual has a deep cavity and requires a tooth-colored filling or even a dental crown. If the tooth is infected, root canal therapy removes the diseased inner pulp and seals and crowns the tooth to preserve and strengthen it.
Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth is so extensively damaged it cannot be saved. In that case, Dr. Riesenberg extracts the tooth and plans a replacement for the patient in the form of fixed bridgework, a partial denture or dental implant, today's longest lasting and most beneficial tooth replacement.
As soon as you notice painful dental symptoms, please contact Washington Family Dentistry in Washington NJ right away for advice and a same-day appointment as needed. Dr. Riesenberg and his staff wish all their patients to be comfortable and as healthy as possible.