Is One Sensitive Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Tooth sensitivity is one of the experiences that everyone can have, and it’s not usually considered a dental emergency. The cause of sensitivity in your teeth can be a number of reasons, but it’s not a big deal if the pain and sensitivity aren’t continuous. As an Ancaster dentist,  people experience tooth sensitivity and sharp pain when they eat foods like ice cream or hot soup, but they usually ignore it as it’s prevalent. However, your sensitive teeth can sometimes indicate serious dental problems that should be treated by an emergency dentist as soon as possible. According to emergency dentistry statistics, extreme dental sensitivity usually happens to 70 per cent of people annually and impacts more than one tooth. But what if you suffer from just one sensitive tooth? Suppose you notice your pain and discomfort originated from one sensitive tooth. In that case, the risk of dental emergencies and severe dental issues is significantly high, and you need to visit an emergency dentist for a professional dental checkup. Here we explain everything you need to know if you just have one sensitive tooth.

What Are the Usual Causes of a Sensitive Tooth? 

If you are experiencing pain and ache caused by one sensitive tooth, it’s possible to face different dental emergencies. An emergency tooth sensitivity is caused when tooth enamel wears out to reveal the dentin, which is the inner layer. Many reasons can cause this situation, like brushing too hard, overly abrasive toothpaste, acidic foods and drinks, bulimia, etc. Furthermore, more serious issues can be the main cause for your sensitivity, including:

• Tooth decay: if one specific sensitive tooth is bothering you, it’s possible to find your tooth decayed. Your emergency dentist can evaluate your tooth and oral condition to see whether there are signs of tooth decay. Moreover, a dental x-ray can be helpful to determine if the main problem is emergency tooth decay or not. 
• Chipped tooth: cracked or chipped tooth is another dental emergency, leading to having one particular tooth sensitive. The cracks on your tooth may not be visible to the naked eye, which explains why it’s essential to visit an emergency dentist. One of the regular signs of an emergency cracked tooth is sharp pain and sensitivity when biting down. Fortunately, your tooth can be quickly restored with the help of crowns or dental veneers. 
• Broken or loose fillings: you can’t expect your dental fillings to last forever. It’s normal to find your tooth filling broken or loosened, resulting in consequences like tooth sensitivity if you overlook visiting your emergency dentist. 
• Tooth abscess: when your tooth’s pulp becomes infected, it can lead to a dental abscess. Tooth sensitivity around one specific tooth can be a symptom of an emergency dental abscess, requiring to be treated as soon as possible. Emergency dentists usually refer their patients with tooth abscesses to an endodontist for root canal treatment. 

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity? 

You should take good care of your mouth and try desensitizing toothpaste and other preventative methods like fluoride treatment. Remember to consult your emergency dentist and avoid habits like tooth grinding that can increase the risk of tooth sensitivity to keep your smile shining!