Tooth Pain

Pain is a signal that something is wrong. Any tooth pain should be taken seriously, because ignoring this symptom can lead to more serious dental and medical consequences. Among the common causes of tooth pain are decay, erosion, infection, and trauma.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay begins with the bacteria in plaque. These bacteria create acids that strip the minerals from tooth enamel, forming weak spots in the enamel. Without treatment, weak spots grow into cavities. When tooth decay reaches the softer dentin below the enamel, the tooth develops sensitivity to heat, cold, and sweets. Deeper cavities can reach the pulp inside the tooth, which has extremely sensitive nerve tissue. These cavities can be very painful.

See your dentist as soon as you suspect you have a cavity. Early tooth decay can sometimes be reversed. A small or medium cavity can be treated with a filling. Deep cavities might require most extensive restorations.

Tooth Erosion

Enamel erosion causes tooth sensitivity and makes teeth more vulnerable to decay. Acidic foods and drinks such as citrus juices, sodas, and energy drinks can erode enamel when they’re enjoyed too frequently. Enamel erosion can be caused by acidic backwash from gastric reflux or other medical conditions. Enamel can be damaged by brushing too aggressively, or even using a brush with hard or medium bristles.

When erosion is caught early, medical treatment or lifestyle changes can limit damage. Because enamel doesn’t grow back, more serious erosion might be treated with fillings, bonding, veneers, or crowns.

Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease is a serious infection that causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer substance than enamel, which makes them more vulnerable to tooth sensitivity and painful root cavities.

Gum disease is a progressive infection that can damage gums, teeth, and bone. Deep cleanings, antibiotics, and gum grafts are among the treatments available to restore gum health and protect tooth roots.

Pulp Infection

The pulp inside each tooth is composed of living tissue, including nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is exposed to bacteria, whether due to deep decay, injury, or gum disease, it can become infected. Symptoms include persistent pain and sensitivity, as well as red, swollen, or tender gums.

Left untreated, an infected tooth might need to be extracted. Infection can spread to the gums, jawbone, and other parts of the body. A root canal procedure is generally used to treat a tooth with a pulp infection. During root canal treatment, your dentist will remove any infected tissue, clean and fill the site, and often restore the tooth with a crown.

Tooth Grinding

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, puts enormous pressure on the teeth. Enamel is worn away, exposing the more sensitive dentin underneath, so teeth develop sensitivity to hot and cold. Bruxism causes toothaches, headaches, and jaw pain, and teeth can chip, crack, flatten, or loosen.

A custom nightguard is often recommended to protect your teeth from the traumatic impact of clenching and grinding. If your bruxism is caused by stress, anxiety, or any other medical condition, your doctor can suggest possible treatments.

Trauma

Dental trauma caused by a collision, a blow to the face, a sporting injury, a fall, or any other accident should be evaluated immediately. Sometimes, damage to a tooth isn’t obvious, and persistent pain could mean a hairline fracture or damage below the gum line.

Your dentist can often repair chips, cracks, and fractures in the office. For severe dental trauma, your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon or endodontist for specialized treatment or surgery.

If you have been suffering from persistent tooth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible to discover the cause of your discomfort. Together, you can decide on a treatment plan that will give you back your healthy, pain-free smile.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.