If you have ever bitten into ice cream and experienced a jolt of pain in your tooth, you understand the discomfort of tooth sensitivity. This sensation can be excruciating, but does it require emergency dental treatment?
Even if you find sensitivity pain to be tolerable, you should ask your dentist to examine the affected tooth. Dr. Uttma Dham, a dentist located in Plantation, FL, responds to frequently asked questions regarding the uncomfortable condition of tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
The outer layer of your tooth, enamel, can erode for a number of reasons, exposing underlying dentin. Dentin contains nerves that emit pain signals to your brain if stimulated.
The resulting unpleasant sensation is called tooth sensitivity. Once enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced on its own, so this symptom will continue until you seek treatment from your dentist.
Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?
Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be evaluated by a dental professional as soon as possible. You should not have to tolerate tooth sensitivity pain. When you contact your dentist, they may recommend scheduling an emergency dentist appointment to evaluate the affected tooth.
This pain could signify a larger dental problem, so it is important that you should let your dentist know about this symptom. Ignoring tooth sensitivity could lead to severe dental issues that may result in costly restorative dental work or irreversible tooth damage.
What Treatment Will I Need?
Treatment for tooth sensitivity depends on the root cause of the symptom. In mild sensitivity cases caused by thinned enamel, your dentist may suggest using desensitizing toothpaste.
Tooth sensitivity may also be caused by cavities. Your dentist will treat this issue with dental fillings, which create a seal over the damaged part of the tooth and alleviate sensitivity pain.
More severe tooth damage may require a dental crown. This cap can cover weakened enamel or advanced tooth decay to shield and preserve the vulnerable tooth from further harm.
Call Your Dentist in Plantation, FL with Concerns
Westside Dental Center treats tooth sensitivity and other dental concerns with restorative dentistry solutions. Dr. Dham is a highly qualified dentist in Plantation, FL who also specializes in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including laser treatment options. To schedule an appointment or consultation with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 954.251.0640.