3 Types of Tooth Pain and What They Might be Telling You
Nobody enjoys physical pain, but it serves a purpose for your overall health. Pain is like your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s wrong, pay attention!”
It’s no secret that tooth pain can be uncomfortable, to say the least. But what causes it? Before you jump to any conclusions, it’s important to take a look at some of the more common types of tooth pain so you can better identify the cause and determine your best course of action.
Types of Tooth Pain
There are three main types of tooth pain that you may experience, each with its own distinct characteristics and causes.
Here are 3 types of tooth pain and what they might be telling you about a hidden dental problem.
Sensitivity to hot or cold
This type of discomfort is usually caused by a worn filling, chipped enamel, or exposed roots from receding gums. When you’re exposed to hot or cold temperatures, your pulp can become irritated and cause pain.
You might have a small area of tooth decay or a loose filling. You might also have an exposed root due to gum recession, which is much more sensitive to temperature or pressure changes. The latter is also a sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
Need relief from pain? Our dentists are here to help. Call Central Dental for immediate action and customized treatment recommendations. Don’t wait – get the relief you need today!
Emergency Dental Care in Hartsdale, NY
Dental emergencies happen to anyone at any time and should not be ignored or treated on your own. Whether you have extreme pain, a broken tooth, or any dental injury, it is crucial to have an emergency dentist that you trust. Contact a professional emergency dentist in Hartsdale, NY to receive the care you need. Please call us immediately at (914) 682-4005 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Acute or constant pain
If you’re feeling a severe and continuing pain from one particular area of your teeth (even if you can’t tell exactly which one), this could mean the pulp, the tooth’s innermost layer, has become infected with decay.
The pain is emanating from nerves within the pulp coming under attack from the decay. To save the tooth, you may need a root canal treatment to remove the decayed tissue and seal the tooth from further infection. You should see your dentist as soon as possible, even if the pain suddenly stops—that only means the nerves have died, but the decay is still there and threatening your tooth.
Severe gum pain
If there’s an extremely painful spot on your gums especially sensitive to touch, then you may have an abscess.
This is a localized area of infection that develops in the gums either as the result of periodontal (gum) disease, or an infection spreading from the tooth pulp into the gum tissues. You’ll need to see a dentist immediately for both pain relief and appropriate treatment (including a possible root canal) to heal the abscessed tissue.
If you would like more information on tooth pain and how to treat it, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Pain? Don’t Wait!”
Simple Steps To Tackle Different Types Of Tooth Pain
The best way to address tooth pain is to identify the cause and take action. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
No one should have to live with tooth pain, so take the time to evaluate your symptoms and consult a dentist if needed. With the right care and preventive measures, you can enjoy a happy and healthy smile for many years to come!
Good luck!
Keep your smile healthy and strong with regular checkups
A dental check-up is recommended at least twice a year, so make sure you book yours soon if it’s been a while since your last visit. Your dentist can spot any potential issues and provide the right treatment accordingly.
Contact us now and book an appointment to keep that smile shining bright and healthy!
