Although brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily can prevent many common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease, there is no guarantee that you’ll never develop a problem.
For instance, even those who are committed to their at-home dental hygiene routines might develop toothaches. It’s only natural to wonder what’s causing your pain and whether or not you should schedule an emergency dental visit. Continue reading to learn more about 3 types of toothaches and when to contact your oral healthcare provider for help!
Toothache #1: Dull and Lingering
Persistent but dull throbbing is one of the most prevalent types of toothaches and can result from a number of potential concerns, some of which are more urgent than others. You might feel this sensation if something is stuck between two teeth, which can often be safely removed by rinsing your mouth with water or gently flossing.
However, your discomfort might point to a more serious underlying concern, such as teeth grinding, damaged enamel, or an abscessed tooth. Your dentist or endodontist can examine your mouth to pinpoint the root problem and provide an appropriate treatment plan, such as a root canal followed by placing a dental crown, to address the infection.
Toothache #2: Sharp and Short
If you feel a jabbing sensation that’s localized to just one or two teeth, especially when biting or chewing anything, you may want to contact your provider sooner rather than later. Your tenderness could be caused by a chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth or you might have a damaged or worn-down restoration, such as a filling or crown.
Whatever the reason for the sudden sensitivity, you’ll need the help of your dentist or endodontist to assess its condition and devise a customized solution to restore its functionality and appearance.
Toothache #3: Severe and Throbbing
Any dental discomfort that disrupts your daily routine or prevents you from eating, speaking, or smiling normally deserves immediate attention. Plenty of patients suffering from severe or throbbing aches struggle to bite or chew food or are in too much pain to keep up with their usual schedules and activities.
More intense toothaches are often caused by damaged enamel, like chips and cracks, that allow bacteria in your mouth to penetrate the pulp inside and trigger an infection. However, there may be other potential reasons, such as wisdom teeth growing in. Your dentist or endodontist can take X-rays and other scans to identify the root problem to offer some much-needed relief.
When it comes to your teeth, no discomfort is considered ‘normal’. If you’re hurting, it’s best to contact your provider for an appointment to address it sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
Patients at Endodontic Group of Jersey City benefit from a team of experts who are eager to help improve their patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. They collaborate to provide a range of complex, restorative, cosmetic, and endodontic procedures, using state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results that last. If you’re concerned about a toothache, you can request a same-day emergency visit by calling the office at (201) 484-5404 or visit their website for more information.