older man at desk wincing due to tooth painDental discomfort can keep you from enjoying everyday life. But there are different types of tooth pain, and your symptoms can indicate the presence of a specific problem. Today, our Denver dental team explores the most common types of tooth pain and explains how to address each one.

Are you currently experiencing dental pain? If so, call our Denver office now at 303-534-2626.

Brief Sensitivity to Heat or Cold

If the tooth pain is only temporary, it’s likely there is no significant problem. Some individuals are more prone to sensitivity, especially if they have thin enamel. This symptom can often be managed with desensitizing toothpaste. Just be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush as well.

Lingering Pain after Eating Hot or Cold Foods

Those who experience prolonged sensitivity after eating hot or cold foods or drinks need to see their Denver dentist as soon as possible. This type of tooth pain can signify irreversible pulp damage, which can be caused by trauma or deep dental decay. In most cases, root canal therapy is the only way to save the tooth from extraction.

Dental Sensitivity following Treatment

Sensitivity is an inconvenience, no matter what the cause. The good news is that this is a normal – and temporary – reaction to dental work. Generally, this type of tooth pain is caused by an inflamed pulp, and it usually subsides after one or two weeks. If pain persists, call our Denver office for more information.

Sharp Pain When Biting Down

If this type of tooth pain occurs, it can be a bit challenging to find the cause on your own. That’s why a professional dental evaluation is so important. Sharp dental pain when biting down can be caused by a fracture, decay, or a loose restoration. It may also be the result of a damaged pulp. The treatment recommended for you will depend on the cause of the pain. During a consultation at Metropolitan Dental Care, your doctor can help determine the proper course of action.

Jaw Pain and Aching in the Upper Teeth

Sometimes a toothache turns into radiating pain in the jaw, ears, or head. This type of tooth pain is often caused by bruxism, a condition characterized by chronic teeth grinding and clenching. If you suffer from this kind of discomfort, your Denver dentist may recommend a custom oral appliance. This mouth guard fits snugly over the teeth and protects them from damage and erosion. It also places the jaw in a more favorable position and helps relax the associated muscles.

Severe Dental Pain and Swelling

Have you ever woken up with a severely swollen jaw? This indicates a dental abscess, and it can cause a tremendous amount of tooth pain. When the inside of a tooth becomes invaded by bacteria, the infection can drain out of the tooth through the roots and affect the surrounding tissues. Antibiotics can help shrink the infection, and pain medication can reduce discomfort – but without treatment, the problem will come back. Your dentist will likely recommend root canal therapy, which eliminates infection at its source.

Contact Our Denver Practice Today

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can address the problem before it worsens. Call our Denver office today at 303-534-2626 or contact us online anytime.