DR. RYAN MENEZES &
DR. ANDREA FERNANDES
3030 FALCON LANDING BLVD., STE. 400
KATY, TEXAS 77494
(832) 913-5542
There are several conditions that can cause dental pain – some harmless and some worrisome. Here, our team at Cinco Ranch Smiles & Braces explores the most common culprits of dental discomfort and explains how to treat these issues.
If you are currently experiencing severe dental pain, call our office at (832) 913-5542.
Cavities are one of the most common causes of dental pain. In the early stages, tooth decay is barely noticeable. However, as the bacteria erode more and more of the enamel, the tooth can become painful and sensitive.
Tooth decay should be addressed as early as possible to prevent more invasive treatments. While a small cavity can be repaired with a simple filling, a large cavity may require a crown or root canal therapy.
Explore Pain-Related Issues options during a consultation at our practice. Feel free to give us a call at (832) 913-5542 or schedule an appointment online.
The early stages of gum disease don’t always cause discomfort. However, the disease will progress if nothing is done. The longer the condition is left untreated, the more likely you are to develop pain. This discomfort will likely be accompanied by red, swollen, bleeding gums.
Periodontal disease can be treated with a range of procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate gum disease can be addressed with a deep dental cleaning, while advanced gum disease requires laser therapy or surgery.
An abscess can form when bacteria enter the pulp of a tooth. As the infection accumulates, the jaw begins to swell. This condition can be quite painful and can occur suddenly without much warning.
If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, call our office right away. Prompt treatment can contain the infection and prevent it from spreading. Root canal therapy is necessary to treat an infected tooth. During this procedure, your dentist removes the inflamed nerves, blood vessels, and tissues from the pulp chamber. The canals are then filled with a rubbery filling material, and the tooth is sealed to prevent reinfection.
There are several common types of mouth lesions that can cause significant discomfort, such as cold or canker sores. While these are generally harmless, they can be uncomfortable. If you have a sore or ulcer that hasn’t gone away in two weeks, contact your dentist.
Patients can also develop sores from oral thrush, or candidiasis. This condition is common in denture wearers and can be treated with anti-fungal medications.
Of course, oral cancer lesions are the most concerning type of sore. We perform an oral cancer screening at every routine visit to keep your health in check. If your dentist finds anything suspicious, we will take a soft tissue biopsy and submit it to a pathology lab for testing and diagnosis.
When necessary, laser therapy can be used to treat mouth sores and lesions. This treatment accelerates healing and reduces discomfort in many cases.
Sometimes the enamel on our teeth can wear thin. This may occur due to age, dry mouth, excessive soda consumption, and other factors. Without the protective layer of enamel, the teeth become sensitive to heat and cold. This condition can cause a significant amount of discomfort.
Mild cases of dental sensitivity can be treated and maintained with desensitizing toothpaste. More severe cases may require covering the tooth with bonding material or a dental crown.
If you are experiencing dental pain, contact our Katy, TX, practice right away. Our dentists can diagnose and treat virtually any oral health issue. Reach out to a team member by calling (832) 913-5542.
