It can begin as an annoying discomfort which you suspect might go away, but which persists long enough for you to wonder if something is wrong, tooth pain can be a symptom of a number of different conditions, and while it typically isn’t an emergency it’s a sign that something should be checked.
What kinds of tooth pain mean what?
Tooth pain can arise from a number of different causes, each of which will have different implications for your dental treatment, but your dentist can work with you to determine what is going on.
- Decay: As cavities grow larger and closer to the sensitive inner layers of your teeth, you may notice that you are becoming more sensitive to sweet foods, and/or to hot or cold drinks and air.
- Inflammation: The inner pulp of the tooth, which houses its nerves and blood supply, can become inflamed and painful due to decay, damage, or trauma.
- Infection: A serious infection of the inner pulp of the tooth can occur, following on from inflammation. This can be quite painful, and may be associated with sensitivity to pressure.
- Cracked teeth or fillings: A crack in a tooth can cause intermittent or persistent pain, which may be felt as a sharp pain upon chewing.
- Gum problems: Receding or inflamed gums can expose sensitive roots, leading to pain upon exposure to cold air or fluids, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Sensitivity: Teeth which are particularly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks may have worn-away enamel exposing the dentine underneath.
- Trauma: A recent knock or impact to the tooth or surrounding area can lead to bruising and pain, even if the tooth itself appears fine.
- Impacted teeth: Pain in the back of the mouth can sometimes be caused by wisdom teeth which haven’t broken through the gum yet. This kind of pain may be difficult to see without an x-ray.
How can I tell what kind of tooth pain I have?
The kind of pain you have can often be a useful indicator as to what is going on.
Sharp pain which occurs when you bite down on something may suggest a cracked tooth or filling. Pain which occurs intermittently may be less serious than pain which is persistent and unrelenting. Pain which occurs spontaneously (without stimulus) may be a sign of a problem within the tooth itself, such as inflammation of the pulp. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks which lingers for a while after the stimulus has been removed is more serious than sharp, fleeting sensitivity.
When Should I See a Dentist about Tooth Pain?
Persistent pain which affects your ability to sleep or go about your daily life should be looked at by a dentist as soon as possible. Don’t ignore it and hope it’ll go away on its own – the longer you leave it, the more of a problem it can be.
What are the signs that I need to see an dentist or hospital straight away?
If you have an inflamed or puffy face, or if you have a temperature as well as dental pain, you should get checked out as soon as you can. If you find that you cannot swallow or breathe comfortably, or if you have a swollen lymph node which feels firm and hot, you should get checked out by a medical professional. Facial swelling is a sign of a possible severe infection, and if you are having trouble breathing or swallowing due to this, you should seek emergency care.
What is involved in a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure done to a tooth which has inflamed or infected pulp, and involves drilling out the inside of the tooth and sealing it up again. It can be a good option if you want to save a decaying tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted, but it is not appropriate for every problem, so you should discuss with your dentist whether or not it is a good option for you.
Should I get a root canal?
A root canal is not required for every toothache. Many different dental problems can cause you discomfort or pain, and these can often be treated or resolved with a much less invasive procedure, once the cause has been determined by your dentist. Only with an examination (and potentially some dental x-rays) can you or your dentist determine what is causing your tooth pain, and what your treatment options are.
If my tooth has been hurting for a couple of days, should I be worried?
If your tooth has been hurting for longer than a day or two, it’s a good idea to get it checked out, rather than waiting until it goes away on its own. By visiting Mumtaj Dental Care you can find out exactly what the cause of your discomfort is, and what your treatment options are.
