Sometimes, it’s not difficult to get past pain or discomfort. If you have a headache but need to get to work, you might take a pain reliever or just wait until it goes away on its own. But having pain in your jaw or teeth is a different matter. First, it’s a whole different kind of pain. It can also make it harder for you to eat or talk. Most importantly, it rarely goes away on its own. For example, TMJ pain (pain in your jaw joint) can be a sign of a disorder called TMD and can get worse if not treated. At our Tulsa, OK dental office, we can help identify why you’re in pain and offer treatments to help you live pain-free again.
Q: What If I’m Having A Dental Emergency?
Q: Can My Tooth Hurt Because Of A Cavity?
Q: Does My Tooth Need To Be Removed?
Q: Why Does My Jaw Hurt Or Make Strange Noises?
We know that dental problems don’t always follow a set schedule. Injuries and accidents can happen almost anytime. If you have a tooth that’s broken, cracked, knocked out, or causing you a lot of pain, then call us immediately at so we can help you get the care you need now. We can usually see you the same day that you call for an emergency appointment.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that live on the enamel of your teeth. They secrete an acid that decays the enamel, causing a hole there called a cavity. Your enamel has no nerve endings, but the pulp underneath the enamel has lots. If your tooth is hurting, it could easily be due to a cavity getting too big and deep. Regular cleanings and exams with Dr. Cornell can help avoid cavities, and our tooth-colored composite fillings can repair the damage to remove the pain.
Dr. Cornell will always try to save a tooth if possible. But if a tooth has a giant cavity, a bad infection, or severe damage, there might not be a way to save it anymore. Leaving it there will just keep causing you pain, so there are times when removing the tooth is the only choice to get rid of that pain and keep the rest of your mouth healthy. We even have realistic tooth replacement options to make your smile full once more.
Your jaw joint, called the TMJ, controls your jaw and moves every time you open and close your mouth. But if your TMJ gets stressed or sore, you can be suffering from temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. This is when your jaw can make odd clicking and popping noises or just hurt a lot of the time. Dr. Cornell can offer a special bite splint that takes pressure off of your jaw joint so it can heal — and so that you can feel normal again.
If you’re ready to stop suffering from tooth or jaw pain, call us or email us today.
