Dental pain can take many forms and can seriously impact upon your quality of life. Symptoms can include
-
sensitivity to hot or cold foods
-
sharp pain when biting down on food
-
dull aching pressure in the jaw
If you are feeling discomfort or pain, this may be a sign that you have a problem with your tooth. Book an appointment with us.
Listed below are some common symptoms and what they may indicate.
-
Symptom: Brief sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Possible problem: If this discomfort only lasts a few moments, it may indicate the pulp of your tooth is inflamed. However the sensitivity may be caused by a small amount of decay, a loose filling, or recession of your gums.
What to do: If you are experiencing sensitivity, try using a de-sensitising toothpaste. If this is unsuccessful, book with myself, Rhona or Lauren for a diagnosis.
-
Symptom: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment
Possible problem: Dental work may inflame the pulp inside the tooth causing temporary sensitivity.
What to do: Wait a couple of weeks to see if the sensitivity subsides. If the pain persists or worsens, see your regular dentist at SW1 Dental.
-
Symptom: Sharp pain when biting down on food
Possible problem: There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling or most likely a crack in the tooth. There may also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth. This is called cracked tooth syndrom.
What to do: The first thing you should do is to book with us for an evaluation. If the problem is pulp tissue damage, you may need root canal treatment and a crown.
-
Symptom: Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
Possible problem: This pain most likely means that the pulp in your tooth has been damaged either by deep decay or physical trauma.
What to do: See your general dentist at SW1 for further advice. If the diagnosis is pulpitis, you may need root canal treatment and a crown.
-
Symptom: Constant severe pain, swelling of the gum and sensitivity to touch
Possible problem: You may have an abscess, which has caused an infection in the surrounding tissue and bone.
What to do: See your general dentist at SW1 for further advice, to relieve the pain and save the tooth.
-
Symptom: Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw
Possible problem: The pain from a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What to do: For relief of a sinus headache, we recommend you see your GP. For bruxism, you should consult your dentist at SW1 Dental Studio, you may need an occlusal appliance. If the pain is severe and chronic, you may need to see an Endodontist for evaluation.
-
Symptom: Pain from wisdom teeth
Possible problem: You may have pericoronitis which is infection around a wisdom tooth. What to do: See your general dentist at SW1 for further advice, to relieve the pain and discuss an action plan. You may have to have to take a course of antibiotics and arrange to have the tooth removed.
-
Symptom: Pain from a broken down tooth
Possible problem: You may have a dental infection around a broken down decayed tooth.
What to do: See your general dentist at SW1 for further advice, to relieve the pain and discuss an action plan. You may have to have to take a course of antibiotics and arrange to have the tooth removed.
-
Symptom: Pain from bleeding gums
Possible problem: You may have an acute gum infection or periodontal disease.
What to do: See your general dentist at SW1 for further advice, to relieve the pain and discuss an action plan. You may have to have to see the dental hygienist for a course of treatment.
If you are nervous, or anxious in any way, please do feel free to speak to us about your concerns. We have a great deal of experience dealing with anxious patients.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then contact us immediately.
