Adult dental pain may be related to cavities and bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be caused by periodontal disease, which is an advanced form of gingivitis. Periodontal disease not only causes bleeding gums, gum inflammation, and sore gums, but it can also cause damage to the underlying bones that support your teeth. Abscesses can also cause dental pain in adults. Here are some diagnostic and treatment interventions your adult dentistry professional may recommend for your dental pain.
Diagnostic Interventions
Your dentist will talk to you about your medical and dental history to find out if you have any preexisting conditions that could be causing your dental pain. This is especially important if your dental pain involves all or most of your teeth, rather than just a solitary tooth. The dentist will also perform a comprehensive oral examination which will include X-rays. During your exam, the dentist will look for oral inflammation, loose teeth, drainage from a tooth, bleeding and swollen gums, oral lesions, and an abnormal bite.
They will also look for pockets between your gums and teeth, as these can indicate gum recession and periodontal disease. If traditional bitewing X-rays are inconclusive, the dentist may recommend a more sophisticated imaging test called a panoramic X-ray. Your examination and X-rays will help identify the source of your pain so that prompt treatment can be implemented.
Treatment Interventions For Dental Pain
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your dental pain. If your pain is related to decay, your cavities will be treated. If your dental pain is caused by an abscess, the infectious material will be removed from the middle of your tooth and irrigated with the water jet. Abscesses can also be treated with a root canal; however, if you need one, your family dentist may refer you to an endodontist.
Periodontal disease can be treated with more frequent teeth cleanings and antimicrobial mouthwashes, while dental pain from an abnormal bite (malocclusion) can be treated with braces or other orthodontic treatments. If your dental pain is related to a degenerative jawbone condition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended and your dentist may refer you back to your primary care physician for further evaluation.
If you experience dental pain, see both your physician and an adult dentistry professional. Working with both of your healthcare professionals may result in a faster diagnosis and a more favorable long-term prognosis.
Reach out to a local adult dentistry clinic to learn more.
Share30 May 2023
Do you have a different doctor from your spouse? Does your child see a pediatrician? Most families have different medical health providers for different members of the family. This makes sense in most cases, but did you know that you can find a dentist who will treat every person in the family from a baby to a senior? I'm a manager or a family dentist, and in this blog you will learn why a family dentist is a great idea. I will tell you the many advantages of taking every family member to the same dentist, and I will give you tips of finding the right dental office for your family.