Pain is your body’s smoke alarm, alerting you that something is not right. While toothaches can vary from 1 to 10 on the pain scale, many factors influence the level of oral discomfort. For instance, your pain tolerance, the location and severity of the ache, and whether you take NSAIDS (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or naproxen) to dull the pain contribute to pain intensity and type. So if pain is a natural alarm, what is your toothache trying to tell you? It is begging you to go to the dentist!
In today’s blog, you’ll learn about different types of oral pain and what each type can indicate. Dr. Gary Horblitt, a dentist at Fairfield, has extensive experience in a wide range of dental procedures and solutions. If you’re in search of an excellent dentist who not only understands dentistry and dental technology but also values patient comfort and quality dental restorations, look no further. Call us today at (203) 335-1011 to schedule your visit or reserve an appointment online.
Types of Oral Pain
Pain Upon Biting and Chewing
Oftentimes, discomfort upon applying pressure–like when you bite or chew–can indicate a crack, also known as a fracture, in your tooth. Another possibility, failure of a dental crown, allows bacteria to access remaining natural tooth structure beneath the restoration. If your discomfort is primarily located near your upper back teeth (molars), the issue could stem from your sinuses or even an impacted wisdom tooth. An evaluation by Dr. Horblitt will reveal the actual cause of your pain, so we can address the root issue and restore good oral health and comfortable function.
Sensitivity to Temperatures
Dental enamel is the strongest substance your body produces. In fact, the only natural substance that’s harder than tooth enamel is diamonds. However, dental enamel does not coat teeth roots, and it can erode over time. Beneath enamel, a layer of sensitive dentin exists. When enamel thins or gum tissue recedes to expose dentin-covered teeth roots, you may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, and possibly pressure, like wind. Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, Dr. Horblitt may suggest bonding, crowns, or gum treatment to promote regrowth of natural tissues over exposed teeth roots.
Persistent Pain
This pain may feel constant and dull, possibly throbbing now and then. The first line of defense is flossing. Sometimes a stubborn piece of food can wedge between teeth and cause a toothache. If you’ve flossed and still have persistent, dull pain, the issue may be an abscess or internal tooth infection. Another possibility is bruxism, the subconscious habit of grinding and clenching teeth while sleeping or in times of stress. Bruxism wears teeth down, altering their shape and removing protective enamel. As a respected dentist at Fairfield, Dr. Horblitt offers an array of solutions for these issues.
Shooting or Sharp Pain
Fast jolts of pain may indicate enamel erosion, a crack, or a cavity that needs attention. The best way to determine which of these problems causes you discomfort is to see Dr. Horblitt at your earliest convenience. He’ll treat the issue and restore oral comfort, so you can live free from the pain of sharp, shooting toothaches.
Throbbing Pain
Once a tooth begins to relentlessly throb with pain, you will need a next-available appointment with Dr. Horblitt, your dentist in Fairfield. The deep, intense pressure and pain in your tooth could indicate an abscess or internal tooth infection. Left untreated, these oral health concerns can spread not only within the mouth, but systemically through infection in your bloodstream.
Sinus Pain
This can be confusing, but pain above your upper teeth may be due to sinus impaction or infection rather than a dental/oral health issue. A checkup with Dr. Horblitt will reveal any dental source of the pain, but if nothing is found the dentist may refer you back to your general physician for a sinus exam.
Jaw Joint Pain or Wisdom Tooth Pain
If pain occurs in your rear molars on the top and/or bottom arch, you may suffer from a TMJ disorder. The TMJs (temporomandibular joints) allow your lower jaw to open, close, and move from side to side. If the joint(s) becomes irritated or inflamed, it may cause discomfort. Dr. Horblitt can determine whether TMJ dysfunction is an issue for you and if so, he’ll suggest treatment to restore comfort.
Wisdom teeth are another cause of a toothache in the back of the mouth. Third molars usually erupt when a person is in his late teens or early 20s. Commonly, wisdom teeth come in at an angle and get stuck on the second molars, beneath the gumline. This is called impaction, and it can cause infection that increases pain. If you need wisdom teeth extracted, Dr. Horblitt can help.
Burning or Shock-like Discomfort
A shock-like pain often tells us that nerves are involved. In some cases, issues like trigeminal neuralgia, rather than a true toothache, may cause your discomfort. However, if the pain occurs upon biting or chewing, a cavity, fracture, or internal infection may exist.
Call Your Dentist in Fairfield Today!
Don’t expect your toothache to naturally go away with time. Unlike skin and bones, teeth do not heal on their own. Gum disease, cavities, and cracks worsen with time, creating larger, more time-consuming, and more expensive issues. So if you have a toothache, call us today at (203) 335-1011 to schedule your visit or reserve an appointment online. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best solutions!
