Dental Pain
Question: I’ve been having some pain from my teeth lately. When should I call my dentist about it?
Answer: It’s always a good idea to call your dentist any time you have dental pain. Some dental pain can be harmless such as a sharp response to something very cold, but even this can be a sign of something more serious. A sudden, sharp pain chewing could indicate a cracked tooth, broken filling, or even an infected nerve. A vigorous response to cold from a tooth could mean that the tooth has a cavity. Any pain that arises spontaneously while you are not eating or drinking should be taken very seriously. For instance, dental pain that wakes you up at night often indicates that a nerve is either very inflamed or has died. Such a problem must be treated immediately. Just remember, dental problems are best treated when they are small problems, so never ignore signs of pain from your teeth. Call your dentist at the first sign of trouble.