It Tingles! Is Dental Sensitivity an Emergency?

Dental sensitivity doesn’t always hurt, but it is usually annoying. This issue can have a variety of causes, and some of them are more serious than others. If you find that your teeth tingle or hurt when exposed to sudden temperature shifts or to acidic or sweet foods and beverages, you may be wondering if you should give your emergency dentist a call. Here’s a brief guide to dental sensitivity, what causes it, and how to tell if you need to contact your emergency dentist.

What Can Cause Sensitive Teeth?

Dental sensitivity can result from a range of issues, such as:

• Cavities or other tooth decay
• Broken teeth
• Eroded fillings
• Gum disease
• Thin tooth enamel
• Exposure of the tooth’s root

While the teeth are protected by strong enamel above the gumline and sturdy bone tissue beneath it, the dentin layer inside a tooth is full of tiny tubes. If the dentin layer becomes exposed, hot, cold, acidic, or sugary substances can travel through these tubes to affect the nerves inside the tooth. This can lead to the unpleasant sensations associated with dental sensitivity.

When Is Dental Sensitivity an Emergency?

While dental sensitivity is not usually considered urgent, it might be a more pressing issue if you exhibit symptoms such as sensitivity that does not go away after a few days or discomfort that lasts for longer than thirty seconds at a time. On the other hand, sensitivity that only lasts for a couple of seconds after drinking or eating something hot or cold usually isn’t necessarily an emergency. If your sensitivity is so severe that it results in sharp pain, call your emergency dentist immediately.

How Can Sensitive Teeth Be Treated?

Luckily there are a variety of treatments available for sensitive teeth. A few of these include:

• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is known as “nature’s cavity fighter” and can help reinforce your enamel. It can also often be found in many local tap water sources. 
• Desensitizing toothpaste: This is designed to slightly numb the teeth to prevent dental sensitivity.
• Crowns, inlays, or cosmetic bonding: Using composite resin or dental restorations to cover exposed parts of the teeth can prevent much discomfort.
• Surgical gum grafts: These procedures can reinforce your gum tissue to protect your teeth if your sensitive roots have been exposed due to gum disease.
• Root canal: If your dental sensitivity is caused by severe tooth decay, a root canal may be the best way to eliminate the infection and save your tooth.

The best ways to prevent dental sensitivity are to limit sugar consumption, practice excellent oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings, and refrain from using your teeth to chew on non-food items or to open packages or bottles. However, if your teeth are severely sensitive, your dentist is well-equipped to address the issue.

About the Author

Dr. Omid Mehdipour earned his dental doctorate at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry and achieved his Orthodontic Certificate at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. His office in Anaheim, CA, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are dealing with severe tooth sensitivity, contact his office online or dial (714) 520-8888.