Tooth pain can range in severity from a mild nuisance to excruciating agony, and it may be a sign of a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment. The best way to resolve dental pain depends on what is causing it, and your emergency dentist will be happy to determine an appropriate treatment to restore your comfort. Here’s a quick look at a few common types of dental pain, what may be causing them, and when to set up an appointment with your emergency dentist.
Soreness
Teeth can become sore due to objects being stuck between them or inflammation of the gum tissue supporting them. If the problem is caused by stubborn debris caught between your teeth, you may be able to address it with a session of thorough brushing and flossing, and gum disease can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene if it is in its early stages. However, contact your emergency dentist if you cannot resolve your discomfort by brushing and flossing or if you notice signs of infection such as swelling, fever, fatigue, chills, or a nasty taste in your mouth.
Sensitivity
Teeth can become unusually sensitive due to thin enamel, excessive acid exposure, recent injuries, or gumline recession, but sensitivity isn’t usually a major problem if the discomfort doesn’t last longer than thirty seconds. You may be able to reduce your discomfort by avoiding foods and beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic until you can do so comfortably again, but contact your emergency dentist if the pain becomes unbearable, lasts for several days, or affects only one or two teeth.
Miserable Agony
A severe, throbbing toothache is probably the result of an advanced dental infection that has breached the tooth’s outer layers of enamel and dentin and reached the soft pulp tissue at the center. This sort of infection will not get better on its own, so it’s imperative to contact your emergency dentist if your oral pain lasts for more than a day. Your dentist may be able to resolve the problem with a filling or a root canal, but extraction may be necessary if the tooth cannot be saved.
Don’t let dental pain distract you from your daily activities and lead to serious oral health consequences. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your smile in excellent shape.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School and refines his skills further with continuing education coursework. He takes great pride in ensuring that the people of San Antonio can receive the best oral healthcare possible. His office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about dental pain, dial his office’s front desk at (210) 903-5565. To learn more about treating tooth discomfort, contact the office online.