Although you likely already know that you should contact your dentist right away if you have a dental emergency, you might not feel as confident about what types of issues qualify as urgent. For example, if you’ve noticed that your teeth feel sensitive, you might question whether it’s safe to wait to see if it dissipates before requesting an appointment.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your tender teeth or how your provider can help, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are several potential reasons your pearly whites might be feeling particularly tender, and some are more serious than others. For instance, you might simply have abraded your enamel or connective tissues by brushing overly aggressively, which can trigger some mild aches or inflammation.
However, dental pain might also indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a fractured root, worn-down fillings, a hidden cavity, or the onset of gum disease. These types of concerns should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage. After all, most oral problems don’t resolve themselves and instead only worsen progressively the longer they remain untreated.
Do I Need an Emergency Visit for Sensitive Teeth?
You’re unlikely to be able to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem on your own at home and will require your dentist’s help to identify the issue and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Because the underlying issue could potentially put your overall oral health at risk, it’s best to contact your dentist right away.
They’ll discuss your circumstances with you over the phone and schedule an appropriate time to see you, which can sometimes be the same day in severe circumstances. They might also provide additional care instructions to help safeguard your smile and alleviate your discomfort until you arrive at the scheduled time.
How is Tooth Sensitivity Treated?
The solution for your problem depends significantly on the underlying cause. For instance, sometimes a simple solution, like a prescription mouthwash or desensitizing toothpaste and purchasing a soft-bristle toothbrush, is all that’s needed to reduce your discomfort.
However, other common treatments can include tooth-colored fillings to repair sections of damaged enamel, root canals to alleviate infection and keep it from spreading, or dental crowns to protect damaged teeth while restoring their appearance and functionality. Your dental team will walk you through the treatment options and get your approval before moving forward with the recommended procedures.
If your teeth feel sensitive, contacting your dentist sooner rather than later can keep the underlying issue from progressing!
About the Practice
Patients at Parklane Family Dentistry benefit from two highly accomplished providers eager to help them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. V is a skilled general dentist with additional training in cosmetics, pediatric dentistry, and esthetic services. She collaborates with Dr. D’avanzo, a top 1% Invisalign specialist orthodontist. Together, they provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including treating dental sensitivity. You can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 731-0391.