Four Reasons To See An Emergency Dentist For Sudden Sensitivity To Hot And Cold
Posted on: 11 May 2023
If you have sudden sensitivity to hot and cold, it could be a sign of an underlying dental problem that requires immediate attention. Here are four reasons to see an emergency dentist immediately.
1. Sudden Sensitivity Could Be A Sign Of Infection
If you have pain when drinking cold water or eating ice cream, it could be a sign that you have an infection in your mouth. When bacteria enter the gums or teeth, the body reacts with swelling and inflammation. This causes sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks — but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems like abscesses, oral decay, and even heart disease. Antibiotics and emergency dental services to drain the infection and remove the cause of the problem are typically required in an emergency situation.
2. You Could Have Exposed Tooth Roots
Gum recession or injury can expose the sensitive roots of your teeth. Exposed roots have little protection from temperature changes and may hurt when exposed to hot or cold. An emergency dentist can treat exposed roots with fluoride, sealants or gum surgery to help reduce sensitivity.
3. You Could Be Having A Reaction To Anaesthesia
It's important to see an emergency dentist if you've just had dental work done and feel pain or discomfort after using anaesthesia. After any type of dental procedure, including fillings or extractions, it's common to experience some discomfort and tenderness for several hours after treatment is complete — especially if you're taking pain medication prescribed by your dentist. However, if this discomfort continues for a few days or you're experiencing severe pain, it's important to see an emergency dentist.
4. You Could Have An Abrasion On The Nerve
In some cases, biting down too hard on something can cause an abrasion on the nerve underneath the tooth's surface. This can lead to sudden sensitivity because there is now less protection around this nerve — and if it gets exposed again, it will hurt more than usual! If you've been chewing on something hard (like ice), this might be your problem. If you suspect that's what happened to you, see an emergency dentist as soon as possible so they can clean out the abrasion and make sure it doesn't get infected before it heals properly.
If you notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold foods, it's important to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can help determine the cause behind this sensitivity, which may indicate a serious underlying dental issue. For more information, contact a company like Amazing Dental.
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