While exceptions exist, people don’t often focus on their toothaches’ details. They just know that their teeth hurt and they want to do something – anything, really – to stop the discomfort. That said, you should consider the various types of tooth pain; they can point to different causes and potential solutions. Your Dallas dentist will even outline some of them to help you out. So, please keep reading to learn about the differing kinds of tooth pains and what they mean.
Tooth Pain Types & Their Meanings
You can often distinguish the cause of tooth pain by its type. After all, four distinct kinds of tooth-related aches may occur:
Sensitivity
If your pain flares up at odd moments, you’re likely facing some tooth sensitivity. This type of ache often stems from worn-down enamel, especially when it’s mild and short-lived. However, it can also result from tooth decay, cracks, exposed roots, and sometimes even gum disease. Sensitivity from these latter sources is normally intense or lasts for periods longer than 30 seconds.
Dull Pressure
A dull toothache that involves pressure can mean several things. For example, it may point to food debris stuck in a gum crevice; such a cause is even likely if the affected tooth is front-facing. This dull pressure could also indicate an impacted wisdom tooth, which would be a more serious problem.
Severe Throbbing
When your tooth’s pain has a throbbing quality, you may have a tooth infection. The latter would mean your ache persists even while you’re eating or relaxing. As such, the best way to confront it is to see a dental professional for care. You could otherwise end up with a dead tooth that quickly falls out.
Sharp Pain
Sharp and jabbing toothaches are no laughing matter, as they require prompt attention. Most stem from a loose filling or a recently fallen crown. Alternatively, they can also be caused by a fracture, decay, or dental wear.
You should always get professional help for any sharp tooth pain you have. When you do, a medical provider can diagnose the source of your ache and promptly treat you.
An Emergency Dentist Can Help
When you have a sense of your tooth pain’s type, you should quickly see an emergency dentist. They’ll give you a final diagnosis of the problem and perform the appropriate treatment, which can involve one (or more) of the following:
- Dental Filling
- Dental Crown
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth Extraction
- TMD Therapy
The types of tooth pain vary, so don’t lump them all together. Find out which kind you have and get suitable care soon!
About the Practice
Woodhill Family Dental is based in Dallas, TX. Led by Drs. Amy Horton and Jack Fruedenfeld, our practice adheres to honest feedback, conservative care, and tailored treatments. Whatever issue your grin faces, we’ll make sure to address it with our highly effective and comprehensive dentistry. You can then go out and enjoy life with a smile that’s healthy and thriving! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (214)-363-1406.