With the COVID-19 crisis reaching its peak in America, most dentists are only treating dental emergencies. If you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity, then it can leave you in a state of limbo, wondering whether it should be treated as a form of dental trauma. To help you navigate these uncertain times, an emergency dentist in Clintonville has some expert insight to share. Continue reading to get the information you need.
What’s the Cause of Your Tooth Sensitivity?
If you feel discomfort when you brush your teeth or sip hot or cold beverages, then you’re obviously having some sensitivity issues. The source of the pain can be tricky to identify, though.
Here are some of the possible triggers:
- Tooth decay
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
- Fractured teeth
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
Understanding the Anatomy of Your Teeth
The outer layer of your teeth is composed of the hardest material in your body – the enamel. Consisting of calcified minerals, its job is to protect the crown (the portion that sits above the gum line). The enamel doesn’t contain any nerves, so if you’re experiencing sensitivity, then that means the dentin, that lies beneath it, is being affected.
When the protective enamel covering is weakened, the harsh elements in the foods and beverages you consume can impact the dentin, which contains small hollow tubes and canals (miniature tunnels). The microscopic pathways allow hot or cold temperatures and acids to trigger nerve responses (tooth sensitivity).
Steps You Can Take at Home
If you’re unsure whether you have a dental emergency on your hands, you can start by using a desensitizing toothpaste, which works by blocking the tooth’s nerve response (similar to numbing it). If you’re unsuccessful and the pain becomes more acute or chronic, then you may have a bigger problem on your hands that needs immediate attention.
Dental Emergencies During the COVID-19 Crisis
While most dentists have placed non-essential treatments on hold until the COVID-19 virus is controlled, you don’t have to live with dental trauma. If you’re experiencing a severe toothache or any other type of dental emergency, then you should immediately reach out to a local dentist to let a staff member know what has happened. Therefore, you can schedule a visit to get the help you need, so you can recover as soon as possible. This will be a much better option than heading to the emergency room, as hospitals are already being stretched thin.
Although COVID-19 has spread at epic proportions, Americans will get through this. In the meantime, your local dentist is available to provide the vital care you need!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. A highly skilled and experienced professional, he possesses the special skillset necessary to provide comprehensive and effective care. Dr. Buck understands that these are some tough and confusing times. Thus, he strives to provide the consistency that his patients need. He promotes excellent oral health by offering expert emergency dentistry at Creative Smiles, and he can be reached for more information through his website.