If you take a bite of ice cream and experience a jolt of pain, this could be a sign of a larger dental issue. Perhaps you suffered a blow to the mouth and now have a sore tooth. These problems should not be ignored, even if you think the pain is bearable.
Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal, and if soreness persists, you should talk to your dental professional. Dr. Brock Hyder, a dentist in Payette, ID, describes three types of tooth pain and the emergency dentistry treatment you can anticipate with each one.
Acute Trauma-Induced Pain
Accidents can happen even if we are cautious, and sometimes we experience an impact injury to the mouth. If initial soreness after the blow continues, your tooth or jaw may have suffered an injury.
Initial treatment includes applying a cold compress to the affected area. You should contact your dental professional as soon as possible if a tooth becomes loose or falls out. If an object is stuck in your tooth and cannot be removed with floss or tooth brushing, you should also call your dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the surface of your tooth becomes weak and exposes the underlying layer of dentin below the enamel. Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to the brain if stimulated, usually by hot or cold substances.
This condition can occur for a variety of reasons, but weakened enamel cannot regenerate on its own. Minor cases may be resolved with desensitizing toothpaste, but cavities will need to be filled by your dentist. If your sensitivity is caused by major dental damage, you may need a dental crown to shield dentin from stimulation and protect your tooth.
Jaw Pain
Impact trauma can also lead to jaw pain which may resolve itself shortly after the injury is sustained. However, if your jaw movement becomes limited, you should go to the emergency room to check for a fracture.
If your jaw pain is chronic, it could stem from temporomandibular disorders, also known as TMJ. Your dentist can work with you to develop a treatment plan to relieve pressure on your jaw that could be causing this pain.
Emergency Dentistry Services in Payette, ID
Payette Dental offers emergency dentistry services, as well as preventative care, to patients in Payette, ID. Dr. Hyder specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 208.243.9807.