Whether you’re at home, at work, playing with your children, or just surfing the web, it’s really impossible to get away from dental pain. When one of your teeth is hurting, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself, but ignoring it isn’t one of them. Without the proper attention, minor pain can quickly turn into a major problem, and no one has time for that! What should you do about your hurting tooth? It really all depends! Here are the best ways to deal with 4 different types of tooth pain in Oklahoma City.
1. Slight Sensitivity
Does your tooth hurt only when it’s exposed to hot and/or cold temperatures? If the pain goes away after just a few seconds, then it’s likely that the tooth simply has some worn-down enamel. To avoid feeling sensitivity every time you have a hot cup of coffee or enjoy ice cream, try switching to a sensitive tooth toothpaste. After using it consistently for a few weeks, it will slightly numb the nerve in your sensitive tooth, making it less of a bother. To help preserve your enamel so the sensitivity doesn’t increase, it’s best to limit your consumption of acidic foods/drinks, with sodas and energy drinks being chief among them.
2. Dull, Persistent Pain
A constant minor pain might just be a sign that you have something stuck in-between your teeth (such as a stray piece of food), and gently rinsing and flossing around the tooth can help dislodge whatever it might be. If this doesn’t solve the problem outright, then the pain could be due to a small cavity or crack in the enamel. In this case, it’s best to give your dentist in Oklahoma City a call right away. The sooner you can see them, the easier it will be to treat your problem! In most cases, just one appointment and a tooth-colored filling will be all you need to be pain-free.
3. Sudden, “Jabbing” Pain
Are you experiencing a sharp pain that comes on all of a sudden and then quickly goes away? This is most likely due to some kind of physical injury to the tooth, such as a crack or fracture in the enamel. Often, people don’t actually feel the effects of dental trauma until hours or even days after the damage occurred. Usually, this kind of injury is due to someone biting down onto something hard (ice, pens, pencils, etc.) or being in a minor accident in which the teeth and mouth were struck. Your dentist will likely be able to repair the tooth with a dental crown, which should help the pain go and stay away.
4. Intense, Throbbing Pain
This is the kind of pain that prevents you from functioning normally. It could be due to a severe dental infection or trauma to the tooth, but in either case, you should call your emergency dentist in Oklahoma City right away. This means something is seriously wrong, and without treatment, the problem (and pain!) will only get worse. Call your dentist immediately and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Fortunately, most dentists are able to see patients the same day in urgent situations.
No one really plans on dealing with dental pain, but if you want to be prepared so you can get relief as quickly as possible should it ever pop up, just put Dr. Michael Kirk’s number in your phone right now. He has over 25 years of experience and works constantly to integrate the latest techniques and technologies into his practice. And, better yet, he’s always willing to see emergency patients nice and fast. Unlike your local ER, he won’t make you wait!
No matter what might be causing your tooth pain, Dr. Kirk and the team at Grand Dental Studio are ready to help. To get the professional attention you need right when you need it, give us a call anytime.