That first sip of hot coffee or taste of ice cream is supposed to be the best part of the experience, but your tooth sensitivity has ruined it yet again! Is this the kind of problem where you should stop whatever you’re doing and go see the emergency dentist in Jacksonville as soon as possible? As it turns out, not all sensitivity is created equal, and a few key factors can make it easy to determine whether you need to schedule an appointment TODAY or if it can wait.
Why Are My Teeth SO Sensitive?
The underlying reason for most dental sensitivity is enamel erosion. Inside every tooth is a collection of soft tissue that includes blood vessels and a very sensitive nerve. Normally, the enamel keeps it nice and protected, but if some of it goes away, this can expose the nerve and create discomfort when it interacts with hot or cold temperatures.
So where did the enamel go? Enamel erosion can often stem from:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Grinding your teeth
- Dental damage
- Oral infections
- Daily wear and tear
- Too much exposure to acidic foods or drinks
Now or Later?
If your tooth sensitivity is relatively mild, coming on suddenly and going away quickly, then it is likely an issue you can manage on your own. This can be done by using a sensitive tooth toothpaste, decreasing your intake of whatever causes the problem, and mentioning it to your dentist when it’s time for your routine checkup.
However, if a tooth suddenly becomes very sensitive, and the pain is sharp, throbbing, or lingers for 20-30 seconds after it has started, then this could point to a more serious issue. A crack in the enamel or an infection could be the culprit, in which case you should call your emergency dentist right away!
A Little Help From Your Dentist
Thankfully, your dentist can offer several ways to reduce or even eliminate your dental sensitivity:
- A nightguard can protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep.
- Root canal treatment can be used to remove an infection while keeping your tooth in place.
- Gum disease treatment can restore the soft tissue that covers exposed tooth roots.
- A dental restoration (such as a crown, filling, or veneer) can build back areas where the enamel has eroded.
Still unsure if you should reach out to your dentist? It’s always better to be safe than sorry! A quick call will give you a chance to describe your symptoms, and the dental team will let you know if you should come in right away or wait until it’s convenient. Either way, they’ll make it easy to get what you need and make sure sensitivity doesn’t spoil your next warm beverage or cool treat.
About the Practice
Patients at Jacksonville Dental Excellence benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who take pride in helping you build and maintain the healthiest version of your smile. Drs. Ryan and Rose Johnson work together to offer a comprehensive array of services conveniently under one roof, including emergency dentistry. They’re committed to ongoing education to provide the most up-to-date treatments and are members of the American Dental Society and other prestigious organizations, so you know your teeth are in good hands.
You can get in touch and even schedule an emergency appointment by calling (904) 895-4536.