What Does a Throbbing Toothache Mean?

A throbbing toothache can be caused by several things, like tooth decay or an injury. It can also be the result of an infection in a tooth or your gums. Toothaches are alarms that let you know that there is a dental issue that needs to be addressed.

The pain experienced during a toothache is often the result of inflammation or an infection that is taking place inside a tooth. The condition is known as pulpitis. The pulp chamber contains the soft tissues and nerves of a tooth, and these tissues are easily irritated when a tooth has been damaged.

Damage to a tooth, like a fracture or a cavity, allows germs and air to get into the pulp chamber, leading to irritation and eventually, infection. Toothaches are often accompanied by symptoms like pain when chewing, a bad taste in the mouth or fever.

Figuring out the cause of a throbbing toothache

Wondering what is causing your toothache? Here are common causes of throbbing tooth pain.

1. Tooth decay

Tooth decay is a common dental problem and is caused by the acids created by oral bacteria eating away at teeth. These bacteria feast on sugars in food particles that are left on teeth. Failing to practice good oral hygiene and consuming a sugary diet increases a person’s risk of decay.

Dentists typically treat tooth decay by removing any decayed teeth material and filling up the holes created by decay. More severe cases of tooth decay can be addressed with other restorations, like an onlay, inlay or crown. Preventative treatments that can be used to reduce a person’s risk of decay include fluoride treatments, dental sealants and teeth cleanings.

2. Abscessed tooth

A tooth abscess occurs when tissues inside the pulp chamber begin to die due to infection. It leads to pus pockets filled with bacteria forming around teeth roots or in the gums. The pus pocket is called an abscess.

An abscessed tooth often forms when a decayed or damaged tooth is left untreated. Treatment options for an abscess include prescribing antibiotics to kill the bacteria infecting the pulp chamber, draining the abscess or having a root canal done.

3. Fractured tooth

A fractured tooth can be caused by trauma to the face or biting on hard things like ice. It can also occur slowly over time due to habits like teeth grinding. A fracture often ends up opening up the pulp chamber, allowing bacteria and acids to get to the soft tissue there, leading to inflammation and infection. Treatment options for a fractured tooth include sealing the fracture with dental glue, closing up the crack with composite resin, having a root canal done or having a crown placed.

4. Damaged restorations

Damaged restorations are another common cause of throbbing toothaches. All restorations become worn down over time, and that can lead to them not protecting the sensitive inner layers of a tooth as well as they should. Such toothaches can be addressed by performing any necessary repairs or replacing the restoration.

Get tooth pain relief

Call or visit our Killeen clinic to visit our dentist so you can put your tooth pain behind you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.texasstarsmiles.com or call Texas Star Smiles & Fastbraces at (254) 237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.

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