What is a Toothache?
A toothache generally involves pain of the teeth and jaw. The source of the dental pain can include:
- dental cavity
- cracked tooth
- exposed tooth root
- gum disease
- disease of the jaw joint
- spasms of the muscles used for chewing
The severity of a toothache can range from mild to unbearable. Sometimes chewing, cold, or heat may intensify the pain.
If you have a toothache please call our office at 713-941-8261 to schedule an appointment. An x-ray will be taken of the painful area, and an examination will be performed. Solutions to your problem will be given. You don’t have to live in pain anymore. See why Dr. Nugent has been voted Best Pasadena, Texas, Dentist multiple times.
What is a Dental Cavity?
The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity. Cavities are holes in the tooth. The hole is caused by bacteria.
Bacteria in the mouth convert simple sugars into acid. This acid, combined with saliva, dissolves the hard layer of enamel and exposes the softer dentin layer. Small shallow cavities may not cause pain and may go unnoticed by the patient. However, larger, deeper cavities can irritate the nerve inside the tooth. When the nerve dies, excruciating pain follows, and the only treatment to get the patient out of pain is an extraction or a root canal. A toothache from a larger cavity is the most common reason for visiting a dentist. If you are experiencing toothache pain, call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nugent.
The most common fix for a cavity is a white tooth colored dental filling.
Visit our office at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504 today. See how great a dentist can be when the focus is on you, the patient. Discover why generations of families have made our office their dental home for life. Call us at 713-941-8261.
Understanding Toothaches: Causes, Treatments, and How Dr. Nugent Can Help
Few things can ruin your day faster than a toothache. Whether it’s a dull, throbbing pain or a sharp jolt that makes you wince when you chew, a toothache is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. Ignoring it won’t make it go away—most dental pain signals an underlying problem that needs professional attention.
At Dr. Michael Nugent’s private dental office in Pasadena, Texas, we understand how distressing a toothache can be. That’s why we use the latest diagnostic technology, including digital X-rays and 3D cone beam imaging, to find the exact cause of your pain and create a treatment plan that gets you smiling comfortably again.
What Is a Toothache?
A toothache is pain that occurs in or around a tooth. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, pulsating pain that radiates into the jaw or head. Sometimes the pain is constant; other times, it’s triggered by chewing, temperature changes, or even lying down.
Tooth pain usually means that the nerve inside the tooth (the dental pulp) or the surrounding tissues are inflamed or infected. Because the pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, even a small problem can cause significant pain.
Common Reasons for Toothaches — and Their Treatments
Toothaches can stem from a variety of dental problems. Below are some of the most frequent causes and how Dr. Nugent can treat them.
1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
One of the most common causes of tooth pain is a cavity. When bacteria in plaque break down the tooth’s enamel, they create a hole that exposes sensitive layers underneath.
Treatment: Dr. Nugent will remove the decay and restore the tooth with a tooth-colored filling or crown to prevent further damage.
2. Tooth Abscess (Infection)
A dental abscess occurs when bacteria reach the pulp, causing infection and inflammation. This can lead to severe, throbbing pain and swelling in the gums or face.
Treatment: A root canal is performed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In advanced cases, the tooth may need to be extracted, and a dental implant can replace it.
3. Cracked or Broken Tooth
Even a small crack can expose the sensitive inner layers of a tooth, leading to sharp pain when biting down or eating hot and cold foods.
Treatment: Depending on the severity, Dr. Nugent may repair the tooth with a bonding material, crown, or dental implant if the crack extends below the gumline.
4. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Infected or receding gums can expose tooth roots, causing sensitivity and discomfort.
Treatment: Deep cleanings known as scaling and root planing can remove plaque and bacteria beneath the gumline to help the gums heal and protect the tooth’s roots.
5. Sinus Pressure or Infection
Sometimes tooth pain isn’t caused by dental issues at all. Sinus infections can create pressure on the upper teeth because the sinus cavities sit right above them.
Treatment: Dr. Nugent’s advanced 3D imaging helps rule out dental causes and identify when sinus-related issues are to blame.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Diagnosis
Dr. Nugent believes that accurate diagnosis leads to better treatment. That’s why his office is equipped with digital X-rays and 3D cone beam CT imaging.
Digital X-rays provide high-resolution images instantly with less radiation than traditional film X-rays. This allows Dr. Nugent to detect cavities, bone loss, and infections early.
3D Cone Beam Imaging offers a complete three-dimensional view of your teeth, bone structure, and sinuses. This technology helps pinpoint the exact cause of your toothache—whether it’s an infection, cracked tooth, or hidden problem that 2D X-rays might miss.
With these tools, Dr. Nugent can create the most precise and effective treatment plan possible, often saving patients time, discomfort, and unnecessary procedures.
Private Practice Care — Not Corporate Dentistry
When you visit Dr. Michael Nugent’s Pasadena dental office, you’re not walking into a corporate-owned clinic. Dr. Nugent is the owner and practicing dentist, which means your care is personal, consistent, and patient-centered.
At corporate dental chains, patients often see a rotating cast of dentists, and treatment plans can feel rushed or impersonal. At Dr. Nugent’s private practice, you’ll always be treated like family. Dr. Nugent takes the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and ensure that your dental care fits your needs—not a corporate quota.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor toothache or severe dental pain, you’ll receive honest, expert care from a dentist who truly values your health and comfort.
Don’t Wait — Relieve Your Toothache Today
Tooth pain never gets better on its own. Early treatment can mean the difference between a small filling and a major procedure. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nugent today.
With advanced diagnostic technology, years of experience, and compassionate care in a private practice setting, Dr. Nugent can help eliminate your pain and restore your smile.
📍 Dr. Michael Nugent, Pasadena, Texas
🦷 Private Practice Family and Implant Dentistry
📞 Call (713) 941-8261 or visit www.ThePasadenaTexasDentist.com