February 9 is National Toothache Day – not a day to celebrate, but a good occasion to remind you of the importance of seeking help ASAP for toothache pain. Left untreated, most causes of a toothache will result in the loss of your tooth. 

The good news is, your dentists can get you out pain and back on the track to good oral health. If you’re in discomfort, call us right away at 248-697-2487. We’ll do our best to see you on the same day. 

It’s also not too difficult to avoid toothaches. Follow our advice:

  • Brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride and floss regularly too. Use a gentle touch and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. 
  • See us every six months for an exam and cleaning. 
  • Don’t bite down on hard substances like ice or popcorn kernels. 
  • Don’t use your teeth as tools for tasks like opening packages. 
  • If you play sports, let us fit you for a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. 

Even with these precautions, it’s possible you may still need treatment for a toothache at some point. Your dentists can:

  • Mend a Cavity – Most folks will get at least a few cavities over the years. Filling a cavity is a common dental repair. Unlike most practices, we use a special laser for this procedure. It is much quicker and easier on your tooth than the usual process. Even better, there is no drill. You won’t experience any off-putting sounds, smells, or sensations. If you have extensive decay, we might use a crown instead. 
  • Repair a Break or Crack – A dental crown covers your whole tooth. It’s the usual choice for repairing breaks, cracks, or severe decay. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may use an inlay or onlay. These restorations cover more dental surface than a filling but less than a crown. You should see us ASAP for this kind of damage. If not fixed promptly, bacteria can get inside your tooth and cause an infection. 
  • Remove Infection – If infection reaches the soft pulp inside your tooth, it can cause a lot of pain. It will also result in the loss of the tooth if the infection isn’t removed. Your dentists can perform a root canal to take care of the infection and save the tooth.
  • Extract a Troublesome Tooth – In some cases, removing a tooth is the best course of action. If an extraction is needed, we’ll thoroughly numb your mouth and use a gentle touch. We can also replace the missing tooth, with a dental implant/crown combination or another option.

Don’t suffer from toothache pain! Call Dr. James C. Ross today at 248-697-2487 or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Novi, MI.