Dental Pain. It's the worst!
But dental pain comes in many different forms. Let's go through some of the common types and put them in some perspective. Smart Patients know stuff and they keep their teeth.
Brief, sharp momentary pain to something cold.
Goes away as soon as the cold is removed. Teeth are normally a little sensitive when exposed to real cold. No problem.
But: if the cold sensitivity happens when the food or drink is only slightly cold, then it can be from a gap in a filling, actual decay, an exposed root surface (happens if the gum is receded) or if there is a crack in the tooth. Call us. 845-297-6206.
Or: If the pain lasts for more than a few seconds or a minute, that can mean that the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth) is stressed or deteriorating. Call us. 845-297-6206
Deeper, more aching pain pain, especially if heat makes it worse.
More serious. This indicates that the pulp of the tooth is badly inflamed and is on the way to becoming necrotic. Call us promptly. This is going to get worse. 845-297-6206.
A real long lasting, steady, throbbing toothache that is agonizingly painful and is worse if you bite on the tooth or press it with your tongue or finger.
This is an emergency. It means you have an abscess (infection) and it must be treated quickly. It can become a deep space infection and can become dangerous.
I have a broken tooth or a hole in my tooth but I have no dental pain. Nothing hurts. Am I OK? Can I wait to take care of this?
No. Any opening in a tooth beyond the enamel is a wound. It gets infected. Bacteria enter the microscopic tubules in the dentin and travel to the pulp and then you are on the way to a dead pulp and a toothache. Many times the reason the tooth doesn't hurt is because the nerve endings in the pulp are already dead. Call us. 845-297-6206.
I had a toothache but it went away. Did it heal?
No. The pulp of the tooth probably died, so the nerve tissue is no longer able to transmit the pain impulses. Dead pulps need to be treated. The body does not like dead tissue and it will create problems if it is left. Call us. 845-297-6206.
I bit on something hard and it hurt, but the pain went away quickly and the tooth isn't sore. What should I do?
If the tooth stays comfortable, just don't bite hard on it for a day or two.
But: If the tooth starts to ache or gets tender to temperatures or pressure, call us. 845-297-6206
My teeth are just sort of sore a lot, especially when I wake up in the morning. What's happening?
You are probably clenching or grinding your teeth in sleep. Some people do this in the daytime too. This is not good for teeth, or for your jaw joints or the chewing muscles in your face. You need help. Call us. 845-297-6206.
The bottom line is this: Call and get advice when you are not sure. We are glad to advise you.
Check out our web site. It has a ton of information. We're here for you.
