How Will the Dentist Treat My Toothache?

If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t hesitate to contact OliveTree Dentistry in Sunnyvale, TX, immediately. Tooth pain is a sign that something is wrong and won’t go away on its own. Prompt treatment from an experienced dentist like Dr. Merlin Koshy is crucial to prevent further complications and relieve discomfort. As a Sunnyvale dentist for toothache, Dr. Koshy has extensive experience diagnosing and treating tooth pain. Here are some of the ways he may treat your toothache, depending on the underlying cause:

Filling a Cavity 

One of the most common causes of toothache is an untreated cavity or area of decay. Dr. Koshy can remove the decayed portion and restore the tooth with a tooth-colored filling material if caught early. This filling prevents the decay from spreading further into the tooth’s inner layers.

Root Canal Treatment

 If the tooth’s inner pulp has become infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or a crack, you’ll likely need root canal treatment. Despite its notorious reputation, modern root canal procedures are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

Dr. Koshy will administer local anesthesia to numb the area completely. He will then access the tooth’s inner chamber, remove the infected pulp, disinfect the canals, and seal them. He will place a permanent filling or crown to restore the tooth’s structure and appearance.

Root canal treatment relieves your toothache and allows you to keep the natural tooth root intact, avoiding an extraction.

Extracting the Tooth 

In cases of severe decay, vertical root fractures, or other damage that can’t be repaired, the most effective way to eliminate the toothache is to extract (remove) the tooth entirely. Dr. Koshy will first numb the area with local anesthesia, then use specialized dental instruments to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it becomes loose enough to remove.

Don’t worry—getting a tooth extracted is not as painful or frightening as it may sound! Dr. Koshy has years of experience performing gentle, comfortable extractions. Afterward, the area will be sutured closed, and you’ll receive aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.

Treating an Abscess 

If you have a toothache due to an abscess (pus-filled infection) at the tooth’s root, immediate treatment is critical. An abscess can spread the infection to other areas of your body with potentially serious consequences.

Dr. Koshy may first prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. You may need a root canal procedure or extraction, depending on the severity. Dr. Koshy must also drain the abscess to release the built-up pressure and allow proper healing.

Dr. Koshy may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue near the injection site for severe abscesses. An oral surgeon may also be involved if the abscess is large or complex. Don’t delay treatment for an abscess, as it will only worsen if left alone.

Other Potential Treatments 

There are other ways Dr. Koshy may relieve your toothache, depending on the diagnosis:

• Replacing faulty fillings or crowns that are allowing decay or infection
• Treating gum disease by removing built-up plaque and tartar around the tooth
• Adjusting the bite to remove excessive forces on the tooth
• Prescribing antibiotics to fight a localized infection
• Conducting a procedure to repair a cracked or fractured tooth
• Recommending over-the-counter or prescription pain medication

First, the underlying cause must be accurately identified through an examination, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests. Then, Dr. Koshy can determine the most appropriate treatment plan to eliminate your tooth pain permanently.

Don’t Put Off Treating a Toothache 

Remember, a toothache is simply a symptom – not the actual problem. Masking the pain with medication is just a temporary solution and allows the underlying condition to continue to worsen. Timely treatment at OliveTree Dentistry is key to resolving toothache pain at the source.

Sunnyvale Dentist for Toothache

Dr. Koshy and his experienced dental team utilize the latest technology and techniques to treat all types of toothaches and provide long-lasting relief. As a top Sunnyvale dentist for toothache, he prioritizes your comfort during every procedure. Don’t suffer through tooth pain any longer! Contact OliveTree Dentistry right away if you’re dealing with a toothache. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner your discomfort will be eliminated.