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Toothache!
Diagnosis (and treatment) of pain is one of the most difficult things a dentist must do (and often one of the most rewarding). It is a process of performing certain tests, eliciting information, much of which comes out of talking with the patient, and making best guesses based on that information. It is rational, a science, but it is also somewhat of an art.
On this site I list common (not all) causes of dental pain and give a little information about each. If you have a dental problem or question, your first resource must be your own, dentist, so don't put that visit off. If you don't have a dentist and you have pain or swelling, find one fast. Second choices are physicians or emergency rooms.
Some common causes of dental and tooth pain include:
Tooth Abscess, Gum Abscess, Infection Around an Erupting Wisdom Tooth, Root Sensitivity. Other Toothache Causes are Broken Filling ,Tooth Decay, "Cracked Tooth," Clenching / Bruxing, Maxillary Sinus Infection or Inflammation, Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Herpes Sores or Apthous Ulcers.
And remember: Cardiac and Gastrointestinal pain can be referred to the lower jaw and can feel like a toothache.
If there is any possibility that this is the case, call 911 immediately.
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© 2005-2010 Lynne Heckert, DDS, JD All rights reserved. No portion of this or any DentalSmarts.com site may be used without express written permission. Dr. Lynne Heckert, a general practitioner, has practiced and taught dentistry for over 25 years.
Disclaimer: Ads on Dental Smarts Sites (in the margins) are generated automatically and not chosen, reviewed or endorsed by me.
Please remember that information on these sites is not all-inclusive and it may or may not apply to your situation and you need to call your own dentist. A dentist needs to see the tooth, take and x-ray, etc. to diagnose and treat. I cannot respond to email inquiries or phone calls. Thanks for visiting!
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