Are All Toothaches the Same?

For those who are not trained dental professionals, it’s easy to assume that all types of tooth pain occur for the same reason. Unfortunately, this is not the case; in fact, failing to act on dental pain can lead to more serious oral health problems. Keep reading to learn about the different problems that can result in significant tooth pain and when to see an emergency dentist for help.

What Kinds of Tooth Pain Can a Person Experience?

When it comes to tooth pain, the primary focus tends to be on achieving relief. While no longer feeling discomfort is a desirable outcome, dentists want to get to the root of the problem – the cause of the pain.

There are many different types, and a thorough examination is the only way to know, for sure, what the underlying issue might be. Some of the most common include:

• Temperature Sensitivity – When extreme temperatures come into contact with a tooth’s dentin layer as well as its nerve, sharp pain can radiate through a tooth, making it difficult to eat hot or cold foods and beverages.
• Persistent Aching – Pain that does not subside but increases or persists is usually the result of an infection or damage to the innermost layer of a tooth – the pulp. This situation often requires a root canal to avoid extraction.
• Gum Inflammation – As bacteria attack the gum tissues, it can cause them to become swollen. They might also bleed when brushing or flossing. Gum disease treatment is required to eliminate the bacteria and encourage reattachment of the gums.
• Dull Ache – If you experience this type of pain, it may be from a lodged piece of food stuck between your teeth. It can also stem from bruxism (teeth grinding) or a serious infection. Once your dentist determines which is the problem, appropriate treatment can be administered.

Other types of tooth pain can involve impacted wisdom teeth, which can press against nearby healthy teeth and cause a similar dull form of discomfort. Jaw pain can also form as a result of a misaligned bite, bruxism, or increased stress.

When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?

The rule of thumb is to see your emergency dentist whenever you feel dental pain, no matter the cause. This is the safest solution, as it will help rule out anything that requires more extensive restorative treatment.

Teeth that are chipped, cracked, infected, and even highly sensitive will benefit from expert care, as higher-resolution, enhanced imaging can pinpoint even the smallest problem areas early on.

Choosing to disregard the pain or hope that it goes away on its own will increase your chances of serious infection or injury, which can result in tooth extraction – a procedure that often requires additional care in the form of dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants.

Getting help from a trusted emergency dentist early will help you out of pain much quicker and allow for better oral and overall health in the future.

About the McCarl Dental Group
McCarl Dental Group offers emergency dental care to individuals suffering from all types of tooth pain. Equipped with several skilled dental professionals who understand issues can occur any time, any place, we use only the best technologies to provide restorative care that is designed to eliminate discomfort and create healthier smiles for a lifetime. Call our dental office if you or a loved one needs emergency dental care to address sudden or persistent tooth pain.