How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
Developing an aching in your mouth is typically the result of a problem with a tooth. If you experience a toothache, you should instantly call your dentist to schedule an appointment. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of the ache and can offer a solution to the problem. Here are several ways that dentists diagnose the cause of toothaches.
They Ask Questions
The first thing your dentist will do is to ask you questions about the pain. When did it start? How badly does it hurt? Do you know which tooth it is? Dentists want to know the type of pain you feel and how long you felt it. By asking these questions, your dentist can narrow down the cause of the problem and the tooth causing it.
They Take X-Rays
Your dentist will also want to take X-rays of your teeth. The dentist may need to take one x-ray or several. It depends on what the dentist can see when looking in your mouth. If the dentist cannot see an issue, they might take multiple X-rays. The dentist might compare these X-rays with the ones taken at your last visit to find differences or changes.
They'll Tap on Your Teeth
When you have a toothache, it is often difficult to know which tooth is causing the pain. Therefore, your dentist must work through these steps to narrow it down. After completing the first two steps, your dentist is likely to tap on your teeth. As the dentist taps on each tooth, you should respond with what you felt. If you felt nothing or no pain, tell the dentist. If you feel pain when the dentist taps on a tooth, it can indicate a tooth problem.
They Use the Cold Test
The other test that many dentists use is the cold test. This test involves placing a cold substance on a swab and pressing the swab on the tooth or gum line. If you feel a painful, cold sensation that lasts longer than a second, it can indicate a problem with the tooth's roots.
Dentists are usually able to diagnose the cause of toothache pain by using these methods. In some cases, they may have to use one or two methods. In other cases, they may use all the methods. Once your dentist diagnoses the cause, they can suggest a treatment plan. Contact a dental office if you have a toothache or problem with one of your teeth.