If you’ve ever had tooth pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Having a toothache can make it difficult to work, concentrate in school, sleep, or enjoy spending time with loved ones. Some forms of tooth pain are worse than others, but should you seek out treatment from your emergency dentist regardless of how severe it is? Read on to learn about different types of tooth pain and who you should see for them.
3 Types of Non-Urgent Tooth Pain
Any level of dental pain warrants an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening, but there are a few types of toothaches that aren’t urgent, including:
- Constant, dull ache – Non-specific pain throughout the mouth may be caused by several things, such as grinding of the teeth or a gum infection.
- Flashes of tooth sensitivity –Short bursts of tooth sensitivity that happen after the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures could be a sign of a broken filling, cavity, or small crack exposing the inner layers of your tooth. Left untreated, this could lead to an infection.
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth – People who haven’t had their wisdom teeth removed may experience discomfort or pain in the back of the mouth. This could mean that one of their wisdom teeth is impacted or growing in incorrectly. The tooth will need to be extracted.
3 Types of Urgent Toothaches
The above kinds of toothaches don’t require an emergency dental visit, but you should see your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing one of the following:
- Intense, long-lasting pain –Severe toothaches that last longer than a day or wake you up may be a sign of an infection. This will require immediate treatment.
- Darkening of the tooth –A painful tooth that’s become dark or discolored may be a sign of an injury inside the tooth near the nerves.
- Sharp pain when biting down –Sharp, intense pain when biting or chewing may indicate that the area around the roots of your tooth is infected. This needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent the tooth from falling out.
Some toothaches are caused by small cavities, but others are the result of something more serious. Be sure to let your dentist know as soon as your tooth pain starts. This will allow them to administer prompt treatment to get your oral health back into tiptop shape!
About the Practice
Dr. Gary B. Toubman and Dr. Zach Korwin lead the compassionate team of oral health professionals at Cedar Mountain Dental. If you are experiencing tooth pain, they can perform a thorough exam to determine what’s causing it and administer prompt treatment. This will get rid of your toothache and put your smile on the right track. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Cedar Mountain Dental or want more information about their services, visit their website or call their office at (860) 667-2600.