Dental emergencies have a tendency to come out of nowhere and during the most inopportune times. One moment you’re working, eating food with friends, or brushing your teeth, the next you’re gripping your mouth in pain. While you may want to simply ignore symptoms like tooth pain, it’s the last thing you should do, especially if your pain falls into any of the five following categories. Read on below to know when it’s time to call an emergency dentist for guidance and treatment.
Sharp Pain
If you notice a sudden sharp pain inside your tooth, there’s a chance that you have an untreated cavity. Cavities develop when oral bacteria produce plaque acids that erode enamel slowly over time. Do not assume this pain will go away on its own. Instead, it’s more likely that the damage will worsen and your cavity will grow larger. This can lead to an infection inside your tooth, which will require restorative dentistry anyway to resolve.
Major Sensitivity
If you notice major sensitivity in your tooth after sipping a hot beverage or eating a spoonful of ice cream, you’ll want to call a dentist so they can pinpoint the source of your discomfort. There are several causes for these symptoms, including an unaddressed teeth grinding and clenching habit, exposed tooth roots, or a cavity. When sensitivity lingers for long periods of time (whether it’s a few hours or a few days), don’t wait to call for help.
Throbbing Pain
A constant throbbing pain inside your tooth can make it impossible to think about anything else. If your tooth feels like it’s pulsating, it could be a sign of a severe underlying issue inside your tooth. This could require a root canal to treat. Even if your discomfort begins to dissipate after a few days, don’t assume it has gotten better. Call a dentist so they can perform an X-ray and prescribe a treatment plan.
Pain While Biting Down
If you’re experiencing pain while biting down or chewing, there could be a few different causes. For example, there could be an abscess (or a pocket of pus inside the tooth caused by an infection). The pain could also be due to a fractured tooth, even if it is not visible to the naked eye. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, the dentist may recommend a crown or root canal therapy.
Pain Coming from the Back of the Mouth
Discomfort in the back of the mouth can also cause tooth pain. However, this does not necessarily mean damaged or infected teeth are the cause of your symptoms. For example, you could simply have TMJ disorder, a condition where the temporomandibular jaw joints become inflamed. These joints are responsible for the complex movements your jaw makes but can be overworked as a result of teeth grinding and clenching.
The moment you notice tooth pain, don’t put off a dental visit. Not only can they get you out of pain, but they can prevent your symptoms from getting worse!
About the Author
Dr. Nawrocki has decades of experience in his field and completed thousands of hours of continuing education in order to hone his craft even further. Not only is he available for same-day emergency appointments, but his office is truly a one-stop shop for dental treatments. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or another dental emergency, he has the tools, expertise, and team members to resolve your discomfort fast and comfortably. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.