No one wants to find themselves in the middle of a dental emergency, but you never know when something might happen that causes a toothache. If you have a hurting tooth, it’s natural to wonder whether you need help immediately or if it can wait. After all, there are several potential underlying issues, and some require more urgent attention than others.
Thankfully, the type of pain and where it’s located can help you and your dental team identify the root problem. Continue reading to learn more about three kinds of toothaches and how your dentist can help!
Ache #1: Sharp or Jabbing
If you’ve noticed a stabbing or fierce sensation, especially when you bite down, you may need to contact your dentist for a same-day appointment. This can happen for a few different reasons, and all of them necessitate professional intervention to safeguard your smile.
For example, it could be from a loose or dislodged filling or crown that has left your tooth unprotected. It could also result from severe tooth decay or damage that has exposed the tender nerves and pulp inside. Your dentist will need to examine your mouth and may need to take X-rays or scans to assess the extent of the harm done and suggest appropriate solutions. You might need a new restoration to preserve your tooth, or a root canal to provide some much-needed relief.
Ache #2: Sensitivity
Not all oral problems result in such severe or sudden discomfort. Some patients experience a mild to moderate twinge in their teeth, especially when eating anything overly hot or cold. This sensitivity can be caused by thinning enamel, gum disease, or a cracked or injured tooth. Although it might not require immediate attention, you’ll need your dentist’s help to pinpoint and address what’s behind it.
If your enamel is thinning from an overly acidic diet or aggressive over-brushing, switching to a desensitizing toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush can help. However, if there’s already a cavity, you may need a filling or root canal to repair the damage. Gum disease can also cause tenderness as the connective tissues become inflamed, which can often be remedied by more diligently cleaning your teeth and gums at home. Otherwise, your dentist can provide therapies to help alleviate your symptoms.
Ache #3: Dull but Persistent
While some people have an acute onset of issues, others suffer from more consistent throbbing. Soreness that gradually grows or doesn’t subside can be due to a stuck object, an abscessed tooth, teeth grinding, or incoming wisdom teeth.
You can try gently flossing before contacting your dentist to ensure that nothing is jammed between them. If that doesn’t help, you should make an appointment so your dentist can take the necessary images and identify the culprit. Whether you need a wisdom tooth extraction, a nightguard to reduce jaw tension, or a root canal to clean out an infection, your provider has ways to help.
If your pain doesn’t fit into any of these categories, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental Hillsboro, you benefit from a team that has decades of combined experience helping people improve their oral health. They have completed extensive training to be able to offer a full range of services conveniently under one roof, including emergency dentistry. If you’re in pain and require urgent attention, they will try to schedule your for a same-day appointment. Plus, they offer multiple forms of sedation so you don’t have to wait for some well-deserved relief. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or call (503) 844-6550.