A pain diagnosis helps you understand why your teeth feel sore or bothersome. At M Shannon Daugherty, D.M.D., P.C., endodontist Dr. Daugherty uses his technical expertise to diagnose your dental problem. Utilizing imaging and other forms of testing, Dr. Daugherty can determine the source of your pain and then recommend a treatment approach.
Pain Diagnosis Q & A
What is a pain diagnosis?
Pain diagnosis is a service available at M Shannon Daugherty, D.M.D., P.C.,. Using a variety of testing modalities, including the latest in dental imaging technology and digital X-rays, Dr. Daugherty can diagnose the source of your problem through clinical examination and the evaluation of digital imaging.
Tooth pain varies in its features and could indicate many different dental conditions and injuries that range in severity. Be sure to tell Dr. Daugherty exactly what your pain feels like, which could be:
- Dull
- Aching
- Sharp
- Throbbing
Pain in the mouth and face can present in many different ways and have different characteristics. Sometimes it hurts when you bite down, whereas in other cases, the pain is constant. You might also experience pain in the jaw or lingering sensitivity after consuming hot or cold foods and liquids.
What are the possible causes of oral pain?
Pain in the mouth can come from a variety of conditions and injuries to the teeth and gums. Dr. Daugherty makes sure to explore all possibilities while making a diagnosis before treatment.
Your dental pain diagnosis might be:
- A tooth infection or abscess
- Inflammation within a tooth
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Cracks and fractures
The most important thing you can do to avoid dental pain is to maintain excellent oral health. This involves good daily oral hygiene and regular visits to your general dentist.
What happens after my pain diagnosis?
After receiving your pain diagnosis from Dr. Daugherty, he explains the findings in detail and answers questions about the condition or injury causing your pain. He also goes over any X-rays with you to improve your understanding.
Once you have all of the information you need, Dr. Daugherty explains your treatment options. If your tooth pain comes from a tooth infection or inflammation inside a tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary.