When to Treat a Toothache Like a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies aren’t typically discreet dental concerns. When one occurs, it’s often obvious, especially if it’s the result of accidental trauma to your tooth’s structure. However, the definition of a dental emergency can vary depending on the specific nature of your concern, and in some cases, it may not be as obvious as you would expect. Today, we examine when something like a common toothache could be a more serious concern than it seems, and why you should treat it like a dental emergency to prevent further trouble with your tooth and oral health.
When your teeth also feel worn-down
Sensitive teeth don’t always seem like a serious concern when the discomfort isn’t severe. However, if you also notice that your teeth feel different, then it could be a more concerning problem. If your teeth feel sensitive because they’re wearing down, it could be a sign that you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth-grinding. This can be the cause of several different potential factors, though if you seek treatment for it early, you can minimize the damage to your teeth and any tooth discomfort you feel as a result.
When minor tooth sensitivity gets worse
When a tooth first starts to feel sensitive, the cause of it may not be serious enough to be considered a dental emergency at first. For example, it might be a signal that your tooth enamel is becoming slightly weaker, but is still intact. If the sensitivity becomes more severe, however, then the cause behind it likely has, as well. If the enamel becomes compromised and the tooth develops decay, then the sensitivity of weak enamel can give way to the more intense and persistent aching of tooth decay. The sooner you address your tooth sensitivity, the better chance you have of avoiding more serious discomfort and a more complex oral health concern.
When you’ve had the tooth treated before
If you’ve had a tooth treated for tooth damage or decay before, then it should no longer feel any sensitivity or discomfort. If it does, then it may mean that the tooth’s restoration has failed and the compromised tooth structure could be at risk again. For instance, if you’ve had a filling placed inside of a cavity to treat tooth decay or a crown placed over your tooth to restore a crack or fracture, the restoration’s failure could make the problem worse by the time you have the restoration fixed or replaced.
Get emergency treatment for your toothache
If you develop a sudden toothache, or a minor case of tooth sensitivity gets worse, then it may be time to schedule an emergency dental treatment. To learn more, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also serve the residents of Kingwood, Conroe, Livingston, and all surrounding communities.