Have a Toothache? Here’s What to Know

A toothache can be a sign of a serious problem, and delaying treatment for a toothache can lead to big problems. If you have a toothache, taking swift action is important. Your dentist in Chardon, OH can help. At Center Street Dental, we offer a range of services that can help our patients get the care they need when they have a toothache.

What Causes Toothaches?

There are many problems that can cause toothaches. Some of the potential reasons you might be experiencing a toothache include:

  1. Cracked or broken tooth. Sometimes, cracks in the tooth enamel or broken tooth enamel can cause problems like toothache.
  2. Cavity. A cavity is a pit in the tooth caused by tooth decay. Cavities can cause mild pain and discomfort.
  3. Infection. Infection inside the tooth can cause severe pain that only gets worse when you ignore it. Dental infections are an emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.
  4. Wisdom tooth. Your wisdom tooth or wisdom teeth can cause your teeth to become crowded, cavities to form, and other painful conditions.

What Should You Do If You Have a Toothache?

If you have a toothache, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. The dentist at Center Street Dental may ask you about your symptoms to determine whether you’re having a dental emergency.

What Are the Signs of a Dental Infection?

You may have a hard time telling whether you have a dental infection, but here’s what to look for:

  • Severe pain, either when brushing your teeth, when eating or drinking, or at random.
  • Swelling around the affected tooth.
  • Sudden tooth sensitivity.
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth.

You may also notice discoloration on your tooth enamel or a hole in your teeth.

What Happens When You Delay Care for a Toothache?

If you have a dental infection and put off treatment, you could lose your permanent tooth. A dental infection should be eliminated with a root canal. If the infection spreads, the dentist may need to extract your tooth.

If you have severe tooth pain, you probably need emergency dental care in Chardon, OH. Call Center Street Dental today for an emergency dental visit.

Want a Straighter Smile? What to Know About Invisalign Vs Braces

Straight teeth can help make your smile attractive and give you confidence in how you look. If your teeth aren’t quite straight, there are many tools you can use to correct this problem, including Invisalign.

At Center Street Dental, we provide Invisalign services in Chardon, OH. Clear aligners are a relatively new tool in the world of dentistry, so you may not know as much about clear aligners as you do about traditional braces. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is made of medical-grade, high molecular-weight thermoplastic polymers. Invisalign aligners fit over the teeth and use pressure to push the teeth into place. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, so they’re attractive as well as effective. Braces are different because they use wires and brackets to align the teeth. They’re very easy to see and can impact the way you look.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Your first set of Invisalign aligners will push the teeth toward the desired goal. Once this is done, you’ll get another set of aligners pushing the teeth closer to that goal. Your dental professional will continue to provide you with sets of Invisalign aligners until you’ve achieved your final goal of straight, well-aligned teeth. You may go through several sets of aligners before your teeth are as straight as you desire.

Am I a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?

You may be a good candidate for clear aligners if your teeth are crowded, crooked or have difficulty chewing or talking. People with mild to moderate conditions are often good candidates for clear aligners, but you won’t know if this is a good option for you until you’ve visited a dentist in Chardon, OH.

If you aren’t a good candidate for aligners, you may need braces or another type of dental tool or procedure to help you achieve your teeth’s desired look and functionality. If you’d like to know if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, call your Center Street Dental dentist to make an appointment.