My Blog
Posts for tag: tooth pain
When was the last time you saw your dentist for a routine checkup?
Not sure the last time you saw your dentist? If so, you aren’t alone. One study found that as many as one in three Americans didn’t see the dentist that year. Since everyone is supposed to get routine dental checkups every six months, this news is deeply concerning. Our Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh is here to tell you why these six-month dental visits are important for patients of all ages and why people don’t often come in as regularly as they should.
Why People Don’t See the Dentist
There are many reasons people choose not to come in for routine checkups. If you want to maintain good oral health for the rest of your life the only way to do it is to see your Huntsville, AL, general dentist regularly and to have a trusting relationship with our team so that you know you are getting the best care possible.
Many people choose not to see the dentist due to financial constraints, busy schedules or dental phobias. Trust us; we’ve heard it all. But there are ways to face these underlying issues so you can ultimately get the proper care your teeth and gums deserve.
Dealing with financial issues? Talk to us. Our dental team understands that medical care can be expensive sometimes and we want to work with your family to ensure that everyone gets the dentistry they need without breaking the bank. Plus, these two visits a year are less expensive than needing extensive dental work to repair and restore a damaged smile.
Is your schedule too hectic? We know that life can sometimes get in the way of your medical care. We would be happy to work with your busy schedule to find a time that works best for you and that doesn’t add more stress to your routine.
Scared of the dentist? We know this is a real fear for many. If you haven’t visited the dentist in a while give us a call and let us know. We are sensitive to our patient’s fears and anxieties and want to help make dental visits stress-free and easy on you.
The Importance of Routine Dental Checkups
Most of the time common problems such as gum disease and cavities don’t present with symptoms. This means that the only way to catch these issues before they cause damage is to come in for checkups every six months. During these checkups we also:
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup, the leading causes of cavities and gum disease
- Remove surface stains from teeth for a whiter smile
- Screen for and detect early warning signs of oral cancer
- Address any questions or concerns you have about your oral health
- Provide recommendations for certain dental treatments that could improve your smile
What are you waiting for? Give your smile the care it deserves by calling Dr. Michael Pugh in Huntsville, AL today to schedule a cleaning for yourself or a member of your family.
A toothache can come on slowly or suddenly and often causes serious pain and discomfort if left untreated. However, this unfortunate 
condition is treatable with the help of your dentist. Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL offers various procedures for diagnosing the cause of and treating toothaches. Find out more about toothaches and what you can do about them.
What causes a toothache?
Toothaches can occur due to various situations. When the nerve, which sends pain signals to the brain, becomes damaged or irritated, you feel it as a toothache. Often, a toothache is a result of tooth decay reaching the tooth’s inner pulp chamber which houses the blood vessels and nerve. However, the nerve can also become damaged by injury or trauma to the tooth. Bruxism (tooth grinding), gum disease, or an abnormal bite can also cause a toothache. Underlying conditions like TMJ disorder cause toothaches due to the tension placed onto the jaw by the condition.
How are toothaches treated?
If you have a toothache, you should schedule an oral examination with your dentist immediately. If a toothache is a result of tooth decay, you will most likely need a root canal. This procedure allows your dentist to preserve the structure of the tooth by removing its contents, cleaning out the infection, and restoring the strength of the tooth with a dental crown. If a toothache is a result of an injury or trauma, your dentist will repair the tooth to relieve the pain. Toothaches caused by an underlying condition require treatment of the condition itself.
Preventing Toothaches in Huntsville, AL
Preventing toothaches is easy with proper oral hygiene. You should see your dentist at least twice a year for regular examinations and cleanings. These appointments will help keep your teeth healthy and clean and allow your dentist to treat existing conditions early before a toothache ever occurs. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once to maintain the results of your regular cleanings.
For more information on toothaches or routine dental examinations, please contact Dr. Michael Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Call (256) 536-3386 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Pugh today!
Whether it comes on slowly over time or occurs overnight, toothaches can seriously hinder your daily life. In cases of a toothache, fast 
diagnosis and treatment is often the ideal option. With help from your Huntsville, AL dentist, you can have your damaged or painful tooth repaired and get back to a healthy, happy and pain-free smile.
How do toothaches occur?
- Decay: When bacteria collect on the teeth, plaque and tartar form. This decay eats into the tooth’s upper layers, eventually reaching the tooth’s pulp and nerve. When the nerve is exposed or damaged by decay, a toothache occurs.
- Abscessed tooth: Abscessed teeth go hand in hand with advanced tooth decay. When a tooth becomes severely infected, an abscess forms. Abscesses cause severe pain and sensitivity. They also often cause the gums around the tooth to become inflamed and swollen. A sore may form, which drains from the side of the gum tissue.
- Teeth grinding: The pressure from tooth grinding wears down the teeth. This type of toothache does not necessarily occur in one single tooth, but in a group of teeth. Patients often complain of a dull ache with sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Gum disease: Gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis occurs from a buildup of plaque on the teeth which reaches the gum. This results in pain in or around the teeth and bleeding, swollen or irritated gum tissue.
- Damaged filling: A dental filling protects the tooth’s root. When the filling is cracked or damaged, the root becomes exposed, causing a toothache.
- Fracture: When a tooth is broken or fractured, the nerve and pulp of the tooth become damaged and/or exposed.
What should I do if I have a toothache?
If a toothache is severe or you notice oozing from a sore, you should seek help from your dentist immediately. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen temporarily decrease pain, but do not treat the root problem. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist if your toothache lasts longer than 2 days or is accompanied by a fever or earache, or if you experience pain while opening your mouth.
For more information on toothaches, please contact Dr. Michael Pugh, DMD at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Call (256) 536-3386 to schedule your appointment today.
Tooth pain occurs when a trauma or infection triggers a reaction from the nerves inside a tooth's pulp chamber. The severity of the pain and its duration can vary depending on the underlying cause, which can include anything from a loose filling to an abscess. Ignoring symptoms not only results in unnecessary physical and emotional pain, but can also lead to more expensive dental treatment as problems become more complex. Make an appointment with our office today if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting down on food — This type of pain could be indicative of a cracked tooth, loose filling, or tooth decay that is affecting one or more of your teeth. We can remove decay and replace a loose filling, but if your tooth is cracked, we will have to determine the location and depth of the crack before formulating a treatment plan. In some cases, root canal treatment or even extraction may be necessary.
- Pain that lingers after eating hot or cold foods or liquids — Mild and short-term sensitivity (lasting only seconds or a minute) to hot and cold foods resulting from gum recession can often be soothed by using a fluoride toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. However, an inflamed tooth pulp or one that is dying due to severe decay could cause sensitivity that lingers for a long time after exposure. In this case, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove dying pulp tissue in order to save the tooth.
- Constant severe pain and pressure, swelling of the gums, and sensitivity to touch — Infections and/or abscesses can spread from the tooth pulp into the surrounding periodontal tissues and bone causing this type of pain. Root canal treatment will most likely be required.
- Dull ache and pressure on one or both sides of the face in the upper teeth region — The sinuses and upper back teeth share the same nerves, so, oftentimes, referred pain from sinus congestion or infection can feel like a toothache. A thorough examination can determine whether or not the pain is dentally related.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, call our office immediately so that we can begin to provide you with some relief. To read about other symptoms of tooth pain and possible treatment options, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Pain? Don't Wait!”
When it comes to tooth pain, it is important to identify two things: what is causing your pain and what can be done about it. In some instances you can handle it yourself at home; however, for others, you should contact us so that we can diagnose and treat the problem. See how much you really know about tooth pain by taking our true/false test.
- It is perfectly normal to experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few days after dental treatment.
True or False - If you experience sharp pain when biting down on foods, you should hold off on contacting us to see if the pain gets better on it own.
True or False - Tooth pain is caused by a reaction of nerves inside the tooth's enamel with the severity of the pain dependant upon the type and degree of the stimulus.
True or False - Generally speaking, pain is a protective response that ranges from minor to severe as a way of informing the body that something is wrong.
True or False - If a tooth's root surface is sensitive, you should use a firm toothbrush to ensure that you are keeping the area clean by thoroughly removing dental bacterial plaque.
True or False - Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods and liquids probably means that the pulp within your tooth is probably damaged or inflamed as a result of deep tooth decay or injury from a physical trauma.
True or False - Regarding tooth sensitivity, you should only contact us if the pain persists for several months because this is not likely to be anything serious.
True or False - If a tooth's pulp becomes damaged or dies, you will need a root canal.
True or False - With tooth pain, knowing how long to wait before you contact us can save physical, financial and emotional stress.
True or False - People often confuse tooth and sinus pain because they both can feel the same — a dull ache with pressure in the upper teeth and sinus area on one or both sides of the face.
True or False
Answers: 1) True. 2) False. You should contact us asap for an examination before the pain worsens. 3) False. The nerves are located in the tooth's pulp chamber. 4) True. 5) False. Use a soft bristled toothbrush not a firm one. 6) True. 7) False. While tooth sensitivity generally does not signal a serious issue, if it persist for days or worsens, contact us. 8) True. 9) False. Early interception is best. 10) True.
To learn more, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Pain? Don't Wait!” Or