Tips for Managing a Toothache

It's something you might have had the misfortune of experiencing before: You're eating something hot or cold and you notice your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual. Or maybe, perhaps, there's a dull ache that just doesn’t seem to go away when you're chewing. Both of these unpleasant symptoms are the result of a toothache, which develops when the nerve in the root of a tooth is irritated.

Unfortunately, toothaches aren't exactly a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence. According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 92 percent of adults aged 20-64 have experienced tooth decay—the primary cause of toothache—in permanent teeth. This rather alarming statistic attests to the fact that a toothache could affect just about anyone. But don't let that worry you; we have a few valuable pieces of advice to help address signs of pain.

It's important to know a general rule of thumb regarding toothaches: If it lasts longer than one or two days, it's time to see a dentist. In the off chance your toothache is accompanied by trouble with breathing or swallowing, excessive bleeding from the gums, a fever, or a rash, you should see a doctor immediately.

While a visit to the dentist is often the ultimate solution to a toothache (think fillings, pulling teeth, root canals, and antibiotics), here are some self-care tips that could help you in the meantime.

1. Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil or Tylenol, to help alleviate the pain in your teeth and jaw.

2. Avoid eating very hot or cold foods.

3. Try putting clove oil on a cotton ball and rubbing it on the sore tooth, or bite down on the cotton ball. Cloves have special properties that help relieve the pain of toothaches and fight infection.

4. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

5. Use an over-the-counter antiseptic. Consult your healthcare provider before using the antiseptic if it contains benzocaine.

6. Apply a cold compress to your cheek (This should only be done if the pain is the result of trauma to the tooth.)

Fortunately, toothaches are largely preventable. By keeping good dental habits, maintaining a healthy diet, using fluoride and of course, making regular visits to your dentist, you don't have to be a part of that 92 percent.

And remember, we are always here to help. Don't be afraid to call us and make an appointment if you have a toothache or any other concern with your teeth.

Sedation Dentistry 101

Dental anxiety is real, and the truth is it’s quite common to feel uncomfortable. The sounds and smells at the dental office often trigger anxiety. Fortunately, it is manageable, and as dental professionals it is our job to make the patient experience as comfortable as possible.

At Artistic Dental we have stunning, enlarged photographs of famous canyons and national parks on our ceilings to help transport our patients to another place, to ease their fears to help them relax. We have headphones for those that wish to block the noise. We also try to address our patients fears by discussing the planned procedure; we find this often helps reduce anxiety and lets patients know what to expect.
When these techniques do not do the trick or when a patient is really struggling, we are able to offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help the patient relax. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, but that’s not completely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those under general anesthetic.

The levels of sedation used include:

• Minimal sedation: the patient is awake but relaxed

• Moderation sedation, formerly referred to as conscious sedation: the patient may slur their words when speaking and not have much memory of the procedure

•  Deep sedation: the patient is on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened

• General anesthesia: the patient is completely unconscious. For this level of sedation a dental office will have a dentist anesthesiologist administer the drugs to the patient

The following types of sedation that are used in dentistry include:

• Inhalation sedation – this is the only form of sedation where the patient may be able to drive home afterwards

• Oral sedation – depending on dosage some people can feel groggy enough to sleep throughout the procedure. A pill such as halicon or valium is administered to the patient, but it is imperative that they do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following the appointment

• IV sedation – the drug is administered throught the vein, so it goes to work more quickly

• Deep sedation and general anesthesia – the patient will be administered drugs that will make either make them almost unconscious or fully unconscious

Regardless of what type of sedation patients opt for, the patient will typically need a local anesthetic as well, to numb the area the dentist is working on.To learn more about Artistic Dental's amenities and services visit our dental information center on our website or call to schedule a consult with Dr. Dougherty at (602) 840-5400.