Here at the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we take great pride in enhancing the well-being of patients. This involves using the latest cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to improve the look and overall health of a smile.

Tooth pain is a common complaint when patients come to the practice. Let's look at some of the most common causes of toothaches.

Tooth Injuries, Decay, and Damage

Damage to the teeth is one of the most common reasons why a person may experience a toothache or significant dental pain of any kind. Tooth decay or damage may expose part of the underlying structure of the tooth, making tooth sensitivity more likely, as well as upping the risk of a root canal infection.

Root Canal Infections

On the note of root canal infections, here's a quick word about what they are. Within every tooth is a hollow chamber that is filled with soft tissue known as dental pulp. When this dental pulp is infected, it can result in serious pain and the spread of the infection to other parts of the mouth. The best treatment for a root canal infection is the removal of the diseased pulp from the pulp chamber.

Gum Recession and Disease

If you suffer from advanced gum disease or have experience gum recession, this can increase instances of tooth pain and tooth sensitivity. With advanced gum disease, it's actually not uncommon for people to have sore teeth, and even loose teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatment can make your smile look bright and white, but the bleaching agent in these whitening systems can also cause your teeth to feel extra-sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Thankfully the tooth sensitivity is only temporary.

Crooked Teeth and Poor Dental Alignment

When you have crooked teeth, it can lead to a number of issues with overall alignment that can make it painful to bite and chew. The ideal option for crooked teeth and poor alignment is orthodontic care.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding (the shifting, gnashing, and clenching of the teeth during sleep) is another serious issue. Caused by poor dental alignment or excessive stress, teeth grinding can lead to tooth damage, gum recession, and other serious health issues.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are extra sets of molars that emerge in a person's late teens and early twenties. These extra molars can make it difficult to clean your teeth, and if they come in crooked, they can exert major pressure on your molars, resulting in toothaches and jaw pain. Wisdom tooth removal is a good option for treating these problems.

Potential Systemic Diseases

Tooth pain may not be linked to the tooth itself but rather serve as a sign of a serious health issue originating elsewhere. Some oral cancers, for instance, first manifest themselves as issues with jaw and tooth pain. That's why discussing toothaches is so important—getting the issue looked at by a dentist means a greater likelihood of catching and treating a serious problem.

Contact the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

If you would like more information about toothaches and what can be done to have them properly treated and addressed, be sure to contact our advanced dental care center today. The team at Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry will work with you to help ensure the the pain is minimized and eliminated.