There is a range of things that can cause one of your teeth to feel sensitive or uncomfortable. Experiencing a toothache without a known cause can be frustrating. It’s difficult to know how severe the issue is and whether it warrants an emergency dental visit. So that you understand what signs to look out for that may point to a serious issue, read on to learn about five types of toothaches that will require prompt treatment.
#1: Consistent Discomfort
If you just underwent a dental procedure, like a root canal or getting porcelain veneers, some mild irritation or discomfort is to be expected. When this feeling arises with no apparent cause, this may be a cause for concern. This kind of dental pain can be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, shifting teeth, or decay.
#2: Sharp or Throbbing Pain
An infection or a cavity may be the cause of dental pain that’s sharp or throbbing. Pain caused by an infection will likely require a root canal to remove the damaged tooth pulp and to keep it from spreading elsewhere. If you put off having the tooth treated, you may end up needing an extraction.
#3: Frequent Sensitivity
Some people have a genetic predisposition to tooth sensitivity, but it may also be caused by outside factors, such as worn tooth enamel, a chipped or cracked tooth, gum disease, or a worn dental filling. It may also be caused by bruxism, a condition in which one grinds their teeth and clenches their jaw, or severe decay.
#4. Pain When Biting
If biting into food causes pain, this may be caused by a pocket of pus located in the tooth, gums, or bone that holds the teeth in place called a dental abscess. These are caused by an infection and require prompt treatment to prevent it from worsening and keep the tooth from breaking.
#5: Pain in the Back of the Mouth
Dental pain that begins in the back of the mouth may be caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues and can also cause your teeth to hurt. The TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) causes compromised movement of the jaw joint and the muscles that surround it as well as pain and can lead to dental damage without prompt care.
If you are experiencing one of these five types of dental pain, make sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can administer the treatment you need. This way, you can prevent additional damage to your pearly whites and get your smile back on track.
About the Author
Are you experiencing a toothache that requires treatment from an emergency dentist? Dr. Joe Isaacson and his highly skilled team of Oklahoma City oral health professionals are here to help. They can do a thorough exam to determine the cause of the pain and administer prompt care so you can enjoy a pain-free smile once again. Call Dr. Joe Isaacson’s dental office at (405) 943-8575 or visit his website for more information on their oral health services or to schedule an appointment.