Are you reluctant to visit the dentist because you're hoping that your toothache will just go away on its own? Milford, MA, dentists Drs. Peyman Peiji and Nina Raeisian explain why it's a bad idea to disregard your painful symptoms.

Cavities grow when they're overlooked

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of a toothache. Unfortunately, the longer you ignore your toothache, the bigger the decayed area becomes. If decay is extensive, you'll need more than just a typical filling. In fact, you may require an inlay, a large porcelain filling created in a dental laboratory that fits inside the cusps of your tooth; an outlay, a lab-created filling that extends beyond at least one cusp; or a dental crown that completely covers your tooth. Removing the decayed part of your tooth, a crucial part of the filling process weakens the tooth. Although some weakening is unavoidable, it can be minimized by treating cavities when they're small.

You might have an abscess

Abscesses occur when the soft pulp inside your tooth becomes infected. In addition to pain, you may notice pus around your tooth, a pimple on your gum, facial swelling or red, swollen gums. A fever or a swollen lymph node is a sign that your body's immune system is hard at work battling the bacterial infection. Abscesses are treated with antibiotics and root canal treatment.

Pain can be a sign of damage

Pain in a tooth may also occur if you cracked or damaged a tooth. Repairing and restoring the tooth will prevent it from fracturing and will also help you avoid tooth decay or an infection, issues that may occur if bacteria enters the tooth.

Your toothache may actually be caused by gum disease

It's not unusual to feel pain when you chew or press on your teeth if you have gum disease. The disease not only affects your gum tissue, but can also damage your jawbone and the ligaments that help hold your teeth in place. Fortunately, prompt treatment can help you avoid tooth loss and other unpleasant symptoms of gum disease.

Don't put your oral health at risk. Call us right away if you have a toothache. Schedule your appointment with dentists Drs. Peyman Peiji and Nina Raeisian by calling our Milford, MA, office at (508) 966-7923.