Understanding Severe Tooth Pain
A mild, fleeting sensitivity to a cold drink is common, but a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that wakes you up at night or prevents you from working is a clear signal that something is seriously wrong deep within the tooth.
For residents of Southborough, MA, finding an emergency dentist who can accurately diagnose the pain and provide immediate, lasting relief is critical. Innova Smiles Dental in nearby Marlborough offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the exact source of your pain.
Common Causes of a Throbbing Toothache
When pain becomes severe, it usually means the innermost layer of the tooth (the pulp chamber, which houses the nerves and blood vessels) is compromised. This happens due to:
- Deep Decay (Cavities): A cavity that has gone untreated and penetrated through the enamel and dentin into the nerve center.
- A Hidden Dental Abscess: A severe infection at the root tip, often accompanied by a pimple-like bump on the gum, swelling in the jaw or face, and a foul taste in the mouth.
- Tooth Trauma or Fractures: A crack in the tooth—even a microscopic one that isn't visible to the naked eye—can expose the nerve to irritation every time you bite down.
- A Failing Restoration: An old, leaky filling or a loose dental crown that has allowed bacteria to seep underneath and infect the tooth structure.
Immediate At-Home Relief (Before Your Appointment)
While you are waiting for your emergency appointment at Innova Smiles, you can take these temporary steps to manage the pain:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish gently to clean the area and reduce inflammation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is often highly effective for dental pain because it is an anti-inflammatory. Take as directed on the packaging.
- Cold Compress: If you have swelling in your cheek or jaw, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15 minutes at a time.
- Elevate Your Head: When lying down, prop your head up with pillows. Lying flat can increase blood pressure in the head, making a throbbing toothache act up.
How We Treat Toothaches Near Southborough
When you arrive at our Marlborough studio, our goal is to get you completely out of pain as quickly as possible. We don't just guess at the problem; we use 5D digital technology and 3D imaging to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the infection.
Depending on our findings, we may recommend:
Gentle Root Canal Therapy
Despite the old myths, modern root canal therapy is a painless procedure—it is the cure for the pain, not the cause of it. By removing the infected nerve tissue and sealing the tooth, we eliminate the pain and save your natural tooth from extraction.
Emergency Extraction
If the tooth is fractured beyond repair or the infection has decimated the surrounding bone, an emergency tooth extraction may be the safest option to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of your body.
Treating Cracked Teeth
If a crack is caught early before it reaches the nerve, we may be able to stabilize the tooth and stop the pain with a custom-milled premium dental crown.
If you live in Southborough, MA, and are suffering from a severe toothache, don't wait for it to get worse. Our team is ready to provide the compassionate, expert care you need to smile comfortably again.
