If you’ve ever felt a sharp twinge when sipping hot coffee or biting into ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue, but when is it a minor inconvenience, and when does it require emergency care?
Understanding the cause of your sensitivity can help you determine when to call your emergency dentist for an evaluation.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can happen when the protective enamel on your teeth becomes thin or when your gums recede, exposing the dentin beneath. Common reasons for sensitivity include:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Worn fillings
- Enamel erosion from acidic foods or aggressive brushing
- Gum recession
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Mild sensitivity often comes and goes and can sometimes be managed with desensitizing toothpaste and lifestyle adjustments. However, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms, as sensitivity can sometimes indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt dental care.
When Tooth Sensitivity May Require Emergency Care
While not every instance of tooth sensitivity is an emergency, there are situations where it could signal a more severe problem.
Severe or Sudden Sensitivity
If you suddenly develop sharp, intense sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t fade quickly, it could indicate a cracked tooth, deep decay, or an infection in the tooth’s nerve.
Sensitivity Accompanied by Pain
If your sensitivity is paired with persistent tooth pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, you may have an infection requiring root canal therapy or another emergency treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications.
Sensitivity After Dental Trauma
If you’ve recently experienced a blow to the mouth or chipped a tooth, resulting in sudden sensitivity, you should contact your emergency dentist immediately. Trauma can expose the inner layers of your tooth, leading to pain and infection if left untreated.
Sensitivity with Swollen Gums or Abscess
If your sensitivity is accompanied by swollen gums, a pimple-like bump near your tooth, or facial swelling, you may have a dental abscess. This is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate care to prevent the infection from spreading.
What to Do If You Experience Tooth Sensitivity
If your tooth sensitivity is mild, try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid acidic foods and drinks to see if your symptoms improve. However, if your sensitivity is severe, sudden, or accompanied by pain or swelling, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Early treatment can help you avoid more complex dental procedures and get relief from discomfort quickly.
When in Doubt, Call Your Emergency Dentist
Tooth sensitivity can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of a serious dental issue. When in doubt, it’s always best to contact your dentist to determine the cause of your sensitivity and receive the appropriate care.
About the Practice
At Vanderbrook Family Dentistry, Dr. Vanderbrook and Dr. Keys are here to provide prompt, effective care for dental emergencies, including severe tooth sensitivity, infections, and dental trauma. With a commitment to patient comfort and education, we will help you determine whether your sensitivity requires emergency treatment and guide you toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
Call us at (214) 821-5200 or schedule an appointment online.