6 Kinds of Tooth Pain an Emergency Dentist Should Monitor

Sometimes, toothaches seem to start out of nowhere. Though they can range in severity, any kind of toothache should be examined by your oral health professional. With that in mind, there are a few kinds of tooth pain that are more serious than others and require prompt treatment before they lead to more severe oral health problems. Read on to learn about six kinds of tooth pain that will need to be monitored by your emergency dentist.

#1: Frequent Sensitivity

If hot or cold foods and beverages are causing frequent tooth sensitivity, contact your dentist as soon as you can. Though there are genetic or outside factors that can lead to increased tooth sensitivity in some people, this kind of discomfort may be the result of clenching or grinding your teeth, overly eroded enamel, or severe decay.

#2: Consistent Discomfort

Though you can expect to experience some discomfort after a dental procedure, consistent discomfort that starts in the mouth for unknown reasons shouldn’t be ignored. This may be an indicator of shifting teeth, an impacted wisdom tooth, or a cavity.

#3: Sharp, Stabbing Pain

This type of tooth pain may be a sign of a cavity or a tooth infection. If you put off treatment, the infection may worsen and ultimately lead to gum disease. Gum disease that progresses into a more severe infection called periodontitis may even lead to jawbone deterioration or tooth loss.

#4: Throbbing Pain

Constant pulsating or throbbing that gradually gets worse is often caused by an infection deep in the tooth. A root canal may be necessary to treat it and keep the infection from spreading to the surrounding tissues. Even if the pain lessens, visit your emergency dentist promptly to avoid the need for a tooth extraction.

#5. Pain When Biting

If putting pressure on a tooth by biting or chewing causes pain, this may be the result of a pocket of pus called a dental abscess. It can form in a tooth, the gums, or the bone that holds the teeth in place and is caused by an infection. The pain may also be the result of a fracture, and prompt treatment can prevent the tooth from breaking.

#6: Pain in the Back of the Mouth

If the pain originates from the back of the mouth, it can make the teeth hurt, too. This kind of pain may be caused by TMJ disorder (TMD), which is a condition in which the joint that connects the jaw to the skull doesn’t function properly or is inflamed.

If you’re causing your discomfort, reach out to your dentist. Whether the cause is serious or minor, they will do what they can to lessen discomfort and get your oral health back on track.

About the Author

Dr. Nélida Garcia-DeMartino, Dr. Jeffrey R. DeMartino, and their compassionate Phillipsburg team at DeMartino Dental Group take pride in helping their patients foster healthy, happy smiles. If you are experiencing dental pain and need assistance, they can get to the root of the problem and administer the care you need to get your oral health back on track. Are you interested in setting up an appointment or do you want more information on what forms of dental pain require prompt treatment? If so, call DeMartino Dental Group at (908) 859-5260 or visit their website to get started.