Dentists stop tooth pain by addressing the underlying cause. According to the provided reference, the primary method for alleviating pain caused by tooth decay is to remove the decay and restore the tooth.
Addressing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common culprit for tooth pain. Here's how a dentist tackles it:
- Removal of Decay: The dentist will carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth using specialized instruments.
- Filling the Cavity: After removing the decay, the dentist fills the resulting cavity with a filling material. This material seals the tooth, preventing further decay and alleviating sensitivity. According to the reference, the filling can be used when a toothache is caused by a loose or broken filling: the old filling will be taken out, decay removed, and a new filling put in place.
Other Potential Causes of Tooth Pain
While tooth decay is a major reason, other situations can lead to tooth pain that a dentist might address. Here are some possibilities:
- Loose or Broken Fillings: As mentioned previously, these are addressed by replacing the old filling with a new one, after removing any further decay.
- Infection: If an infection is present, it might necessitate a root canal or other treatments, depending on severity.
- Gum Disease: Sometimes, tooth pain is related to gum issues, which a dentist can address through various treatments.
- Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth can be extremely painful, and treatments can include bonding, root canals or tooth extraction, depending on how severely the tooth is damaged.
- Dental Abscess: If an abscess is present, antibiotics, draining and possible root canal may be necessary.
Summary
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Tooth Decay | Removal of decay and filling |
| Loose/Broken Filling | Removal of old filling, decay removal, and new filling |
| Infection | Root canal or other treatments based on the severity |
| Gum Disease | Various treatments depending on the specific gum issue |
| Cracked Tooth | Bonding, root canal or tooth extraction depending on the severity |
| Dental Abscess | Antibiotics, draining, and possible root canal |
In essence, a dentist stops tooth pain by first identifying its source and then applying appropriate interventions, which often includes removing decay and replacing it with a filling.
