Tooth Pain: When Should You Be Concerned?

Tooth Pain: When Should You Be Concerned?

Most people have experienced a toothache at some point. Sometimes it’s a little sensitivity when drinking something cold. Other times, it’s a persistent ache that keeps you up at night.

One of the most common questions we hear from patients is whether their tooth pain is something that can wait or if they should be seen right away.

The answer depends on what’s causing the discomfort, but one thing is certain: tooth pain is usually worth investigating, especially when it doesn’t go away.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt?

There are several reasons a tooth might become painful, and the symptoms don’t always tell us the whole story.

A cavity, for example, might cause sensitivity to sweets or cold drinks. As the decay progresses, that sensitivity can become more persistent.

Cracked teeth are another common culprit. Patients will sometimes tell us that a tooth feels perfectly fine until they bite down on something a certain way. Other times, the discomfort happens when they release their bite.

Then, there are infections involving the nerve of the tooth. These can cause spontaneous pain, lingering sensitivity to temperature, or a throbbing sensation that seems to come out of nowhere.

Interestingly, the amount of pain someone experiences doesn’t always reflect how serious the problem is. We’ve seen teeth with significant damage that cause very little discomfort, and teeth with relatively minor issues that are extremely sensitive.

That’s why an examination, often along with an X-ray, is important in determining what’s actually happening.

When Should You Call the Dentist?

If you have a little sensitivity that disappears immediately, it may not be an emergency. However, if the sensitivity is new, recurring, or getting worse, it’s worth having it evaluated.

We generally recommend calling your dentist promptly if you’re experiencing:

• Pain that wakes you up at night

• Discomfort that lingers after eating or drinking something hot or cold

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Swelling around a tooth or along the gums

• A broken tooth that’s causing discomfort

• A toothache that continues for more than a day or two

Swelling, fever, or significant worsening pain warrants particularly prompt attention.

If swelling is spreading rapidly, or you’re having difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

One thing we often explain to patients is that a toothache going away doesn’t necessarily mean the problem has resolved. Sometimes the nerve inside a tooth can lose vitality, causing the pain to subside even though an infection remains.

Does Tooth Pain Always Mean You Need a Root Canal?

Not always.

Patients sometimes assume that any toothache means they’re headed for a root canal or an extraction. Fortunately, that’s not always the case.

If the discomfort is coming from a cavity that hasn’t reached the nerve, a filling may be all that’s necessary. Sometimes, clenching can cause the ligaments holding the tooth to hurt as well.

If a tooth has lost a substantial amount of structure or has a fracture that can be restored, a crown may be the better option.

At Kulka Dental Associates, we use CEREC technology to design and fabricate many of our crowns right in the office. This allows us to complete certain crown procedures in a single visit without the need for a temporary crown.

When the nerve of a tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be necessary. The goal is to eliminate the source of the pain while preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.

And sometimes, despite our best efforts, a tooth simply cannot be saved. In those situations, we’ll explain why an extraction may be the most predictable option.

Every tooth is different, and we believe patients should understand their options before making a decision.

What Can You Do Until Your Appointment?

If you’re dealing with a toothache and can’t get into the office immediately, there are a few things that may help.

Try to avoid chewing on the affected side, particularly if biting makes the pain worse. A gentle warm saltwater rinse can sometimes soothe irritated gum tissue, and a cold compress against the cheek may help with swelling.

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also provide temporary relief when taken according to the label and when medically appropriate for you.

One thing you should avoid is placing aspirin directly against the tooth or gums. It won’t treat the underlying problem and can actually irritate or burn the tissue.

Keep in mind that these are temporary measures. If there’s a cavity, fracture, or infection causing the discomfort, the underlying issue still needs to be addressed.

Our Approach at Kulka Dental Associates

Our practice has been caring for families in Hanover and the surrounding South Shore communities since 1982.

Over the years, we’ve found that one of the most important parts of treating dental pain is taking the time to explain what’s going on.

We want our patients to understand why a tooth hurts, what their treatment options are, and what they can reasonably expect moving forward.

Sometimes the solution is simple. Other times, a tooth requires more involved treatment. Either way, our priority is to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend care that makes sense for the individual patient.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, don’t feel that you need to wait until it becomes unbearable to have it checked.