Delicate Smile Problems: Does Tooth Sensitivity Need Emergency Care?

Compared to cavities or gum disease, sensitive teeth may not strike you as an urgent issue. The condition can seem harmless since its pain is often fitful. Even so, you could find yourself wondering: Does tooth sensitivity need emergency care? You wouldn’t want to ignore a problem that deserves rapid dental work. Thankfully, your Colleyville dentist will ease your worries and address the matter. Here’s a look at how tooth sensitivity happens, whether it’s urgent, and what dentistry can do to help.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity, Anyway?

In essence, tooth sensitivity stems from the loss of your enamel. Damage to this hard outer layer exposes your dentin – the underlying tissue where your dental nerves lie. With this tissue exposed, its nerves can react with pain when you eat or chew something hot or cold.

The initial damage to your enamel can happen for various reasons. These include the following:

• Exposed tooth roots, often due to gum disease
• Bacteria-related tooth decay
• Bruxism (i.e., teeth grinding)
• Chips, cracks, or breaks in your teeth
• Damaged restorations (i.e., fillings, crowns, etc.)

Is the Condition an Urgent Problem?

To be honest, most cases of tooth sensitivity aren’t urgent. Sensitive teeth are often harmless, and their aches quickly fade on their own. Therefore, you can normally afford to have them checked through a regular dental checkup.

That said, there are occasions where the sensitivity is urgent. You should have it treated at once if you suffer throbbing pain, visible damage, and oral bleeding. Such signs can indicate a tooth infection, which can lead to tooth loss if left unchecked.

What Can a Dentist Do to Help?

Emergency dentists have several ways to treat and manage a patient’s tooth sensitivity. The most common ones are:

• Fluoride Treatment – If your dentin is only slightly exposed, a dentist may place fluoride gel on your teeth. This service can insulate the nerves of sensitive teeth, keeping them from transmitting pain.
• Dental Crowns – Dentists often place a dental crown when a tooth loses a lot of enamel. With this cap covering the sensitive area, your dentin would be less exposed to stimuli.
• Root Canal Therapy – In some cases, sensitivity can’t be treated with standard dental services. Most dentists will perform a root canal if that scenario applies to you. Through this treatment, a dental team removes your tooth’s infected tissue and fills the resulting space. You’re then left free of your earlier aches.

All in all, tooth sensitivity does need emergency care at times. Make sure to consult your dental provider so you’ll know if your teeth require such urgent treatment.

About the Practice

The DFW Dental Implant Center is based in Colleyville, TX. Led by Drs. Branberg and Cancemi, our practice helps smiles thrive with complete dental care. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative work, as well as same-day visits for emergency patients. Whether your grin needs pain relief or prettier teeth, our team is here to do the job well. For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (817)-440-7133.