Pain Management
What Causes Pain in Your Mouth
Pain can occur in any number of places in your mouth: teeth, gums, roots, the palate, tongue and jaws. Cavities are a common culprit causing pain. Untreated cavities can impact nerves because of infections of the tooth and gums. Impacted and abscessed teeth and sore jaws from teeth grinding are other common causes of pain. Improper bite relationships and jaw disorders can also cause pain. Other sources of pain include sleep disorders, headaches, and neck aches. Special splints can sometimes be applied to stabilize a bite. Bites can also be corrected with special orthodontic procedures, appliances and restoration techniques.
Managing Pain
There are many methods for relieving oral pain. They include:
- Ice packs on the affected area
- Avoiding hard candy or ice
- Avoiding sleeping on your stomach
Dentists use a wide array of pain management tools, including:
- Anesthetics such as Novocain
- Analgesics such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen
- Sedatives, including a procedure known as “conscious sedation” or general sedation (also known as “deep sedation”)
Emergency Care
A knocked out tooth or bitten tongue can cause panic in any parent, but quick thinking and staying calm are the best ways to approach such common dental emergencies and prevent additional unnecessary damage and costly dental restoration. This includes taking measures such as application of cold compresses to reduce swelling, and of course, contacting our office as soon as possible. The team at Brookwood Dental Center is happy to examine and recommend the proper course of action to help you regain your confidence. Reach out to our office by calling 636-349-1070 at your earliest convenience!