Do you feel a sharp pain in your teeth when you sip on a hot coffee or dig into a bowl of ice cream? Does cold air make your teeth sting? These are classic symptoms of tooth sensitivity. In some cases, it indicates the need to visit an emergency dentist, while in instances, care can be delayed until a convenient time. Below, we discuss how you may be able to tell the difference between those scenarios.
Why Does Sensitivity Occur?
It is important to understand that tooth sensitivity is not a dental problem. Rather, it is a symptom of a dental problem. It occurs when outside stimuli irritate a tooth’s nerve, causing it to send pain signals to your brain. Usually, the enamel prevents stimuli from causing any discomfort, but there are a number of reasons why the enamel might be able to do its job effectively.
Common Causes of Dental Sensitivity
There are quite a few possible causes of sensitivity. Some of the less serious ones include:
- Sinus congestion is putting pressure on your teeth, causing them to feel achy and sensitive.
- Your enamel has worn thin due to overbrushing or other factors.
- Your gums have begun to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth, which do not have enamel to protect them.
- You have a small cavity.
On the other hand, sensitivity might indicate a severe oral health condition that requires immediate treatment. For example, you might have a broken or cracked tooth. You could even have a spot of severe decay that has allowed an infection to attack the pulp inside a tooth.
Should You Schedule an Emergency Appointment?
Any new tooth sensitivity merits a visit to your dentist. Give your local practice a call, and describe your symptoms. They will let you know if you need to come in right away or if you can schedule your appointment for a few days or weeks down the road.
Some indications that emergency care is necessary include:
- There is visible damage to a tooth.
- A tooth is darker than the ones around it.
- The sensitivity is so severe that it is interfering with your ability to carry out your normal routine.
- There is a pimple-like bump on the gums near a sensitive tooth.
- Bleeding, pus, swelling, or other signs of infection are present.
During your appointment, your dentist will determine the cause of the sensitivity and recommend a treatment. For serious oral health problems, the most common treatments are root canal therapy and extraction. If the issue is less serious, you might need something as simple as a filling or some adjustments to your oral hygiene routine.
Tooth sensitivity can call for emergency care — or it may be completely nonurgent. Whichever one you suspect is true of your sensitivity, it would be wise to play it safe and call your dentist as soon as possible.
Meet the Practice
The team at Santavicca Dental Professionals has many years of experience in emergency and restorative dentistry. They consistently aim to help patients enjoy healthy, pain-free smiles. If you are concerned about dental sensitivity or have any questions about your oral health, they would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 603-215-7108.