Have you ever been in the middle of enjoying an ice-cold summer treat when suddenly — ouch! — unexpected dental sensitivity sends sharp pain through your mouth? Such a situation can certainly be unpleasant, but does it mean you should call an emergency dentist? In some cases, yes. This blog post discusses some common causes of sensitive teeth and helps you determine whether urgent care is in order.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Your teeth have a few layers. The outermost layer, the enamel, is meant to protect the sensitive inner layers, known as the dentin and the pulp. When the enamel becomes too thin or incurs damage, that allows outside stimuli, such as hot and cold food items, to irritate the nerves within the teeth.
Sensitivity can be the result of a number of different issues, including:
- Tooth enamel that has worn thin due to teeth grinding, the overconsumption of acidic foods and beverages, or overly aggressive tooth brushing.
- Naturally thin tooth enamel.
- Broken or chipped teeth.
- Dental decay.
- Infections.
- Gum recession.
When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist?
Any new or worsening dental sensitivity is a reason to call your dentist, but not all sensitivity constitutes an emergency situation. You might need urgent care if:
- There are visible signs of damage to a tooth.
- A tooth is darker than the ones around it.
- The sensitivity is severe and lingers even after the source of the temperature change has been removed.
- You see a pimple-like bump on your gums near a sensitive tooth.
- The sensitivity is interfering with your ability to carry out your daily activities.
When you call your dentist, describe your situation in as much detail as possible. They will help you determine whether you need an emergency appointment. They can also give you tips to reduce your discomfort before you visit them for care.
Treating Sensitive Teeth
The best way to reduce dental sensitivity depends on what is causing it. Your dentist might recommend one of the following:
- Special toothpaste. Some toothpastes are designed specifically to reduce dental sensitivity.
- Habit changes. You might need to cut back on acidic beverages, stop chewing on hard objects, or incorporate more oral health-supporting nutrients into your diet.
- Restorations. Fillings and crowns can restore the function of decayed or damaged teeth and reduce the impact of hot and cold items.
- Root canal therapy. During this procedure, infected tissue is removed from a tooth’s interior. The nerve is also taken out, so the tooth can no longer send pain signals to the brain.
- Gum disease treatment. You may need to prevent further gum recession and protect your teeth’s exposed roots.
Sensitive teeth are not always an emergency, but sometimes they are! When in doubt, simply call your dental team for expert guidance.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Bradley Mitchell is an experienced, highly skilled dentist who is proud to serve the Oklahoma City community. He and our team are often able to accept emergency patients on a same-day basis. If you are concerned about sensitive teeth or other oral health issues, we are ready to consult with you. Contact Mitchell Smile Design at 405-755-2670.
