You’re out with friends, and when you bite down, you feel that twinge of pain. Or you’re enjoying a cold drink and feel a sharp sensitivity that seems to come out of nowhere. It’s a terrible feeling, but when your teeth are trying to tell you something, it’s important not to ignore what they’re saying.
But how do you know whether what you’re feeling is normal sensitivity or a cracked tooth, and when should you contact your Warners Bay dental team?
Understanding the Difference Between Tooth Sensitivity and a Cracked Tooth
Our team understands that it can be difficult to know whether you have a cracked tooth, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re unsure.
Here is the difference between sensitivity and damage:
- Tooth sensitivity often happens quickly but disappears just as quickly. It can be triggered by hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods or drinks.
- A cracked tooth is a sharp pain that often occurs when you bite down or apply pressure to your tooth.
Common Red Flags of a Severe Dental Infection or Abscess
If left untreated, a cracked tooth or cavity can lead to a dental infection or abscess.
These are the common red flags you should be aware of:
- Severe, throbbing pain that gets worse when you lie down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t subside when you remove the stimulus
- Swelling in your gums, face or neck
- A pimple on your gums
- A bad taste in your mouth or chronic bad breath
- A fever or chills
- Trouble opening your mouth
How We Assess and Manage Dental Emergencies at SmilesHQ
When you arrive at our clinic for an emergency visit, here’s what you can expect:
- First, we’ll talk to you about your symptoms and assess the situation.
- We’ll perform a thorough check-up to diagnose the issue, including any x-rays or necessary scans.
- Before we perform any treatment, we’ll discuss your options with you so you can make an informed decision.
- If possible, we’ll begin treatment that day.
Emergency Dentistry in Warners Bay and Newcastle
If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Warners Bay or the surrounding area, we hope you’ll reach out to our caring dental team! At Smiles HQ, we strive to help every patient make the best oral health decisions, and we’d love to welcome you to our clinic.
To arrange a visit with us, feel free to call us on (02) 4062 0705.