Have you ever experienced severe pain and discomfort when you consume too hot or too cold drinks or foods? It’s a common sign of tooth sensitivity warning you about serious dental problems. An experienced dentist at an emergency dental office in Thornhill emphasizes that tooth sensitivity can be really bothering, and it’s essential to find the cause of it before it can lead to more severe problems. It’s important to understand whether your tooth sensitivity is a symptom of dental emergencies or not. It’s because dental emergencies need to be immediately handled by a professional emergency dentist to prevent more dangerous oral issues. So, does tooth sensitivity count as a dental emergency? Continue to read and understand whether you need emergency dental services, the causes of tooth sensitivity and how it can be treated.
What Are the Common Causes of Emergency Tooth Sensitivity?
The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth designed to protect your teeth against damage, etc. In some cases, you may find your tooth’s enamel thinner than it should be, which makes it less effective than before. As a result, the dentin, the inner layer of your tooth, will be exposed, and you will feel severe pain when consuming hot or cold meals. Many factors can make your enamel wear and tear, including:
- Receding gums
- Tooth abscess
- Improper oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding
- Periodontal disease
Is Tooth Sensitivity Always a Sign of a Dental Emergency?
Not all cases of tooth sensitivity are considered dental emergencies, especially when your pain is not continuous. However, it can be a serious warning about more severe dental problems like deeper infection and cavities if it persists for days. Sometimes calling your emergency dentist can make you more relaxed and lessen your anxiety. You can even visit them to have an oral examination to make sure about your oral condition. But your need more serious treatments such as root canal treatment if the root of your tooth is infected.
When Should You Visit an Emergency Dentist?
In some cases, you shouldn’t waste your time, and it’s essential to make an appointment with your emergency dentist. Visit your emergency dentist right away if:
- You find one of your teeth is severely discolored. It can signify an emergency dental infection, especially when your tooth color is getting darker and darker.
- You notice visible teeth damage like large cavities, cracks or chips.
- You realize other signs, including severe dental pain or pimple-like bump. These are all red flags showing your tooth sensitivity need to be checked by an emergency dentist immediately.
When Is It Okay to Delay Visiting Your Emergency Dentist?
If you don’t notice any serious signs, you can wait a few days to visit your emergency dentist. Sometimes tooth sensitivity is caused due to the thin tooth enamel or teeth grinding, or even small cavities. In such cases, delaying visiting your dentist is okay as there are no risky signs of dental emergencies.
Try to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist to prevent any potential problems later!
