Percussion test : A basic percussion test can identify the most vulnerable areas of the mouth.Visual examination : If the problem is obvious, the dentist can tell what the problem is right away, just by looking into your mouth.This is not a very invasive procedure and should only take a few minutes to perform. X-ray : Your dentist may wish to take an x-ray of your teeth to check for abscesses, cavities, and other hidden problems.These are the most common tests you should expect that will help the dentist diagnose your problem: What Happens When You Go to the Dentist with Tooth PainĪt your dental appointment, the specialist will use one or several techniques to diagnose the problem. On the other hand, if you have persistent and intense pain, you really do need to get to the dentist urgently.
However, you must schedule an appointment for some time in the near future. Generally speaking, if your toothache is intermittent and seems to come and go, you can probably get away with not rushing out immediately for a dental exam. This is your best chance to find a lasting solution to your toothache. Leaving them in can cause permanent damage, so it’s best to consult a dentist about their extraction. Wisdom teeth have a tendency to grow in unusual directions that can hurt your jaw, and even the alignment of your teeth. Usually, you can thank an impacted wisdom tooth for this type of dental pain. This type of pain is not as common as the rest. Both of these require a trip to the dentist as soon as possible. If chewing and moving your mouth causes you pain, it may be caused by tooth decay or dental fracture. Some people get a toothache only when they’re eating. And the dentist must treat that right away. A swollen face means that you developed a tooth infection or abscess. Especially if your face has also swollen. If you are suffering from an extremely painful tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as you can. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, consult a dentist immediately as both of these are serious dental issues. A lot of people take over-the-counter painkillers for this type of toothache, but that’s only a temporary solution and not a treatment.Ĭommon culprits behind a dull and nagging toothache are nerve damage or tooth decay. Although it’s usually quite mild, its persistence and deep, dull sensation can make it a tough problem to deal with. This is the most common type of toothache. Enamel hypoplasia could also be behind tooth sensitivity to temperature. In extreme cases even cold air can trigger this tooth pain.Īs with stabbing pain, it could be a product of a cavity or an abscess, but it may also be caused by rough brushing or gum recession. You can feel this when you’re eating ice cream or hot soup. However, this one is tied to temperature. The sensation with tooth sensitivity will be similar to the intermittent jabbing pain. And the reason you’re feeling intermittent tooth pain could be a crack, cavity, or abscess. This is a kind of tooth pain that comes and goes, but it’s very painful when it makes an appearance.
Usually, you’ll feel this when you move your mouth.Ĭhewing, talking, and opening your mouth can trigger this kind of tooth pain. This is a tooth pain that is less of an ache and more of an irregular jabbing or stabbing sensation within one or several teeth. It can also help you explain to the dentist, so they can find the best treatment for you. Understanding what you’re feeling won’t just help you self-diagnose. Some tooth pain comes and goes in waves, other types are persistent. There are many different types of tooth pain. Here’s how you can self-diagnose your tooth pain to explain to your dentist what you’re feeling. But, if you’re experiencing a pain in the tooth, it’s useful to understand what it could mean. With proper oral hygiene and a regular dental cleaning routine you should be able to avoid most kinds of toothaches.
You need to treat the underlying issue that’s causing the pain fast. Taking painkillers for a toothache may stop the pain temporarily, but it’s a weak fix at best. They’re the only ones qualified to diagnose what the actual problem is. There is only one thing you can do if you have a toothache: go to the dentist. Since you eat, drink, and talk with your mouth, even a small pain in the tooth can affect your life. When it strikes, it’s often very difficult to ignore. There are few things as uniquely frustrating as a persistent toothache.
What a Pain in the Tooth: How to Diagnose Your Toothacheĭo you have persistent pain in your tooth? Does it hurt to chew? Use this handy guide to the most common types of dental pain to find out how to solve your toothache.