Polk City Dentist Asks: What Causes a Toothache?

ANKENY, Iowa - Dec. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- A toothache (http://www.polkcitydental.com/technology/) is a common source of dental discomfort. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that a toothache may be a warning sign of a serious problem. As your Polk City IA dentist (http://www.polkcitydental.com), Dr. Ryan Hussong, explains, taking immediate action to address a toothache can help you maintain a healthy and whole smile.

The Common Factors Behind a Toothache

Our teeth are coated in a protective layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. When harmful bacteria bypass the enamel, typically as a result of trauma or poor oral hygiene, patients may experience tooth sensitivity to hot ore cold temperatures and toothaches. Common causes of weakened enamel and dental pain include:

·      Dental caries

·      Teeth grinding

·      Sinus infection

·      Damaged filling or crown

·      Chipped or cracked tooth

·      Abscessed or infected tooth

If you suffer from a toothache that persists after 48 hours, your Polk City IA dentist recommends contacting a dental professional right away. Otherwise, the discomfort may worsen as a tooth becomes infected or abscessed. At this point, you may require a root canal, or possible extraction, to prevent the spread of infection.

Diagnosing and Treating Discomfort

At Cornerstone Dental, we provide the latest in advanced dental technology to identify the cause and severity of the dental discomfort. First, your Polk City IA dentist will perform a thorough examination. Using intraoral cameras and digital x-rays, Dr. Hussong will look for indicators of tooth decay, fractures, or other issues that would cause pain. From there, he can create a customized treatment plan to improve the health and appearance of your smile.

About Dr. Ryan Hussong:

Dr. Hussong (https://plus.google.com/118412387367519564830/about?gl=us...) is committed to providing comprehensive family dentistry to his patients, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. Whether you are looking for a dentist to improve the appearance or health of your smile, or if you simply need a family dentist for professional checkups and cleanings, Dr. Hussong looks forward to caring for your dental needs. Contact our Cornerstone Dental office today at (515) 984-6001 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve residents of Polk City, Ankeny, Grimes, Ames, Johnston, Urbandale, and Des Moines.