A toothache can range from a mild annoyance to pain that makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. While some toothaches develop gradually, others can appear suddenly and become increasingly uncomfortable over the course of a day.
Rather than trying to determine the cause on your own, a same-day dental evaluation can help identify what is actually happening. At Best Natural Smile, Dr. Ariela Feitelberg provides prompt evaluations for patients experiencing tooth pain and other urgent dental concerns.
Our practice serves Santa Monica and surrounding areas, including Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and West Los Angeles.
What Can Cause a Toothache?
Tooth pain can have several possible causes. A cavity that has reached deeper into the tooth may cause sensitivity or persistent pain. A cracked tooth can hurt when biting or chewing, while an infection may produce throbbing pain, swelling, or tenderness around the tooth.
Other potential causes include gum inflammation, damaged dental restorations, teeth grinding, or problems involving a wisdom tooth.
Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, an examination is important for determining the appropriate treatment.
What Happens During a Same-Day Evaluation?
During your appointment, we first discuss your symptoms and any recent changes you have noticed. Dr. Feitelberg examines the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, looking for signs of decay, damage, inflammation, or infection.
Digital X-rays may be used to examine the tooth below the surface. These images can help identify decay between teeth, changes around the root, bone concerns, or other problems that may not be visible during a routine examination.
Once the source of the pain has been identified, we explain your treatment options.
Can Tooth Pain Be Treated the Same Day?
In many cases, treatment can begin during the same appointment. Depending on the cause, treatment might involve a filling, repair of a damaged restoration, treatment for an infection, or an extraction if the tooth cannot be restored.
The appropriate approach depends on the condition of the tooth and your overall oral health. Our priority is to address the immediate concern while also considering how to protect your smile over the long term.
Do Not Wait for Pain to Become Severe
Some patients postpone dental care because they hope the discomfort will disappear. Unfortunately, tooth pain can sometimes indicate a problem that is progressing beneath the surface.
Seeking an evaluation when symptoms first appear can provide answers sooner and may allow for a simpler treatment approach.
Best Natural Smile provides same-day dental evaluations for patients throughout Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. If you are dealing with a persistent or sudden toothache, Dr. Feitelberg can evaluate the problem and help determine the most appropriate next step.