Have you ever felt sharp discomfort in your teeth when you were trying to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a delicious iced beverage? Dental sensitivity can certainly be annoying, but does it require that you visit an emergency dentist? That really depends. In this blog post, you will learn what causes dental sensitivity and when you should seek urgent treatment.
Why Does Dental Sensitivity Happen?
Your teeth have three layers. The outer layer, the enamel, is designed to protect the more sensitive inner layers. If your enamel is unusually thin or suffers damage, it becomes easier for outside stimuli to irritate the interior parts of your teeth. Then, the nerves in your teeth send sharp pain signals to your brain.
When Is Dental Sensitivity Not an Emergency?
Any new or worsening teeth sensitivity is a good reason to visit your dentist. However, some situations are more urgent than others. Here are some relatively non-urgent causes of sensitivity:
- Enamel that has worn thin over time.
- A small cavity.
- Mild gum recession.
- Teeth grinding and clenching.
The above situations may worsen over time if you do not receive proper care, so just because they are not urgent does not mean they are not important to address. Your dentist can provide appropriate treatment and give you tips to reduce your discomfort.
When Is Dental Sensitivity an Emergency?
In some cases, extreme dental sensitivity is an emergency. It can be a symptom of a severe infection. Without prompt treatment, the infection could spread into nearby tissues and cause widespread damage. Sometimes, untreated dental infections even lead to serious, life-threatening illness.
When to Request an Emergency Appointment
Here are some indications that you should request an emergency appointment for your dental sensitivity:
- The sensitivity is severe.
- The discomfort lingers even after the initial stimulus has been removed.
- A tooth is a darker color than the ones around it.
- You have a pimple-like bump on your gums.
- There is visible damage to a tooth, such as a large chip or crack.
Sensitive teeth can prevent you from enjoying your food and may point to a significant dental problem. Be sure to see your dentist in a timely manner so you can receive timely treatment.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Shawn Schlessel and Benjamin Hornstein lead our team at the Center for Advanced Dentistry. We always strive to accommodate emergency cases as soon as possible. If you are struggling with severe dental sensitivity or have other concerns about your oral health, we are ready to serve you! Contact our Beachwood, OH, office at 216-595-1710.