Toothache
(Redirected from Dental pain)
Toothache |
Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Irritation at the nerve root of a tooth is characterized as toothache. Dental pain is caused primarily by injury, decay, infection or tooth loss. Pain that is believed to be in the tooth could actually be from the temporomandibular joint, cardiac or ear problems.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
- Tooth mobility
- using the back ends of two mouth mirrors, test the tooth’s mobility
Other (Teeth)
- mobility tests
- percussion
- electric pulp tests
- thermal tests
Chest X Ray
- test for sinusitis
Other Imaging Findings
- Transillumination can be used to show fractures in tooth structure
- Dental radiographs
Differential Diagnosis of Causes of Toothache
In alphabetical order. [1] [2]
- Angina Pectoris
- Barodontalgia from high altitudes
- "Dental Migrane"
- Dry Socket (osteitis)
- Headache
- Otitis Media and /or mastoiditis
- Periradicular or periapical pain
- Pulpaglia
- Salivary gland disorders
- Sinusitis
- Temporomadibular Joint Syndrome pain (TMJ)
- Traumatic occlusion
- Traumatic tooth injury
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Treatment
Acute Pharmacotherapies
- Penicillin for infections
- other oral antibiotics for sinusitis
- Pain relief for migranes/migrane specific medications
Surgery and Device Based Therapy
Abscess
- incision and drainage will relieve pain immediately
Irreversible pulpitis
- root canal/tooth extraction
Reversible pulpitis
- filling or crown
Primary Prevention
TMJ
- avoid to gum disorders and bruxing use a bite blocker
Brush and floss teeth
References
Acknowledgements
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List of contributors: