When sipping a cup of coffee or taking a bite of ice cream, do you experience a sudden or sharp pain inside your mouth? Is there a particular tooth that bears the brunt of this extreme discomfort? If so, you may have tooth sensitivity – a problem that can range in severity and lead to urgent dental care. Knowing what can cause it can be essential in reducing your stress and ensuring you get the help you need, so keep reading to find out when you should plan to visit an emergency dentist.
What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
The tooth consists of the enamel layer, which is the visible, outermost portion, and the dentin, which lies directly beneath the enamel. When this particular layer becomes exposed, it can spur sharp pain that makes it difficult to consume anything hot or cold.
This can happen as a result of:
- Worn-down tooth enamel
- A cracked or severely damaged tooth
- Excessive tooth decay that reaches the dentin layer
- Gum recession due to advanced gum disease
- Bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching
- Excessive teeth whitening or receiving dental fillings or crowns
Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?
Depending on your case, tooth sensitivity may or may not be worthy of a same-day emergency dental visit. Some situations can be managed at home; however, should you experience any of the following symptoms, do not wait to call and schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist:
- Sensitivity that lasts more than one week, as this could mean a cavity or gum disease.
- Increased pain that makes day-to-day responsibilities and tasks difficult to perform. This could be the result of an abscess.
- An infection that causes inflammation and redness. You may also have a bad taste in your mouth.
- Facial trauma that produces a visible crack or chip.
Dealing with tooth sensitivity can be a painful and bothersome reality; however, it does not always require an emergency visit. If you’re unsure and want to take extra precautions, though, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. They will be happy to look at the tooth in question and determine what if any, kind of treatment is necessary to get your oral health back on track.
About the McCarl Dental Group
McCarl Dental Group consists of multiple dentists who have been serving patients in the area for decades. Offering emergency services to those who experience tooth sensitivity and other similar injuries or infections, we work quickly to address discomfort and identify the root cause of the problem. Our skilled professionals use advanced technologies and techniques to treat the issue and restore a patient’s smile in the most comfortable way. Call our dental office to learn how we can help your sensitive teeth today.