Practicing proper preventive care strengthens your teeth and gums so your mouth is more resistant to common oral issues that lead to dental emergencies, like cavities, gum disease, and injuries. However, there’s no guarantee that you won’t develop an urgent issue, like a toothache, at some point in time.
There are several potential reasons for dental discomfort, and some are more serious than others. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential causes behind your throbbing tooth and how your dentist can help!
#1: Sensitivity
Have you noticed a tingling or shooting sensation in a particular tooth, especially when biting into anything too hot or cold? This type of sensitivity can point to a range of different underlying concerns, and you’ll need your provider’s help to determine the culprit.
For instance, it might be due to brushing too aggressively, thinned enamel, or gum disease that can often be treated relatively easily with different dental care products or an improved at-home oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, it could also point to cavities or an infection, which require immediate attention.
#2: Dull and Lingering
This type of toothache may be the most common and can have a relatively benign cause, like something stuck between your teeth. However, it can also be the result of bacteria that have penetrated the tender pulp inside your tooth, causing aches and inflammation that can gradually worsen.
No dental pain is considered normal, so you should contact your dentist if you experience persistent discomfort that won’t subside, even if it seems insignificant. They’ll examine your mouth and take X-rays or other images to identify the cause and suggest appropriate solutions, like removing a trapped item or providing a root canal.
#3: Sharp and Severe
Any sudden or jabbing sensations, especially when biting or chewing anything, require your dentist’s assistance. The shooting pain could be from a damaged or broken restoration, like a filling or crown, that leaves the underlying tooth without any protection. It could also be due to progressive tooth decay, periodontal problems, or other injuries.
Depending on your condition, your provider might schedule a same-day appointment so you don’t have to wait to get help. When you arrive, they can offer sedatives to help keep you comfortable, then determine potential treatments to alleviate the ache, such as a root canal or extraction and replacement in extreme cases.
Whatever the reason for your tender tooth, your dentist is sure to have solutions that can help!
Meet the Author
Dr. Shevy Kadiyala is passionate about helping people of all ages build and maintain their most beautiful, healthiest smiles. She graduated with honors from the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine, and is committed to continuing education to hone her skills and abilities. Today, she provides a complete array of services to meet all your family’s dental needs under one roof, including same-day emergency appointments. She combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results. If you have a toothache, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (561) 686-2077.