Dental Emergencies: FAQs about the Most Painful Dental Problems

Special note during the COVID-19 crisis: Main Street Dental is still here for your dental emergencies. We have procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff. You don’t need to wait until quarantine is lifted or go to the ER to solve your dental emergency. Click here for more information.

Some of the worst pain a person can experience is tooth pain. It interferes with our lives when we’re eating, sleeping, or working. Any situation involving unbearable tooth or gum pain, or bleeding that cannot be stopped, is considered a dental emergency. If you are in the middle of such an emergency – get in touch with your dentist immediately.

Here are responses to some of Main St Dental’s more frequently asked questions when it comes to emergency dentistry. If you have any questions or for quick help, please call our offices. In the off-hours, we still have a dentist available 24/7.

Wonder where you can get help in Gresham with a toothache? Whether weekends, night time, rain or shine, we are here for you, call 503-665-8283 with your dental emergency.

At Main Street Dental we understand that some dental procedures have to be taken care of today! Our office’s emergency services include implants, oral sedation, sleep dentistry, extractions, root canals, fillings, crowns, lost fillings, fractured teeth, and bridges. We have same-day and Saturday appointments available to treat your dental pain or cosmetic issues. You will be treated with care. All costs will be known upfront and we will even get your dental insurance figured out for you! If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry! We have major cash pay discounts and in-office financing! Financing is also available through CareCredit and the Lending Club.

---

I have a toothache, what do I do?

Teeth May Hurt For Many Reasons, so it is Important to Determine the Cause

Health (11/15, Swalin, Klein) reports that there are a variety of reasons teeth may hurt, including clenching teeth, a temporomandibular joint disorder, gum disease, an injury, and more. It is important to seek care from a dentist to determine the cause, according to ADA spokesperson Dr. Matthew Messina. “Pain is not supposed to be there,” says Dr. Messina, who added, “If something in your mouth doesn’t feel right, make an appointment with a dentist to have it looked at.”

MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on the top 10 dental symptoms, including toothache and sensitive teeth, which may be a sign of something that needs to be dealt with right away.

Symptom: Toothache

If your mouth or jaw hurts, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or an impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.

Symptom: Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.

• Tooth that hurts when exposed to hot and cold?
• Broken tooth at the gumline?
• Tooth that aches when pressure is applied?

We handle all of these and more! Give us a call at Main Street Dental Gresham.

---

Sensitive teeth? We Can Help!

DO YOU EVER cringe when you watch someone bite into ice cream? Are you sometimes fearful of that first sip of hot soup or coffee? You’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints we hear about.

Teeth Feel Sensitive When Nerves Are Exposed 

On the outside of each tooth is a protective layer of enamel. Over time, the enamel can wear away leaving an inner layer, called the dentin, exposed. This occurs due to normal wear and tear, poor dental hygiene, or certain lifestyle choices.

Dentin contains fluid-filled tubules that reach into the innermost part of the tooth where all the nerves reside. Because the nerves inside the tooth are exposed when the enamel is eroded away, sensitivity is the result.

Another form of tooth sensitivity develops when gum recession leaves the root of the tooth exposed to food, drink and air.

Desensitizing Toothpaste Can Help

Desensitizing toothpastes are a great way to ease tooth sensitivity. Many of our patients ask us how these toothpastes actually work! It’s simple: they are specially formulated to either block the tubules in the dentin, protecting the nerves in the tooth from exposure, or numb your teeth, in a manner of speaking, so you don’t register the pain of sensitivity.

It’s important to remember, however, that if your teeth are sensitive, your first stop should be your dentist’s office. Some problems that cause teeth to be sensitive can be quite serious and may require more extensive treatment than desensitizing toothpaste can provide.

Follow These Helpful Tips To Avoid Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can range from mildly annoying to severely painful. To prevent further damage to your teeth, or any sensitivity in the first place, follow the suggestions below:

• Practice proper oral hygiene. Gum disease and tooth decay are frequently the cause of tooth sensitivity. In addition, avoid smoking or any form of tobacco use.
• Don’t brush so hard. Aggressive brushing or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and enamel erosion. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t apply too much force. Plaque comes off easier than you think!
• Protect your teeth. If you clench your teeth frequently or have been diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding), make sure you protect your teeth with a nightguard provided to you by your dentist and try to be conscious of your clenching habits during the day.
• Make sure your diet is healthy. Eat sugar and carbohydrates in moderation. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that are good for your teeth such as dairy products and vegetables.

Nobody Should Live With Tooth Pain

No matter what your level of discomfort, it’s our belief that nobody should have to live with tooth pain. If you experience any kind of sensitivity in your teeth, come in and see us! We can diagnose the root cause of your sensitivity and ascertain the best way to treat it.

---

How to Deal with Mouth Pain as You Wait for Your Appointment

Do you have a bad tooth? Ashiness or swelling? Call our office today for an emergency dental appointment. We can do root canals, extractions, crowns, fillings, implants, all the things you need to fix your tooth in the same day! In the meantime, take these tips for toothaches and hang in there!

1. If your doctor allows, take acetaminophen following the label’s instructions
2. Swish with warm salt water, this will kill bacteria as well as soothe the gums
3. Use benzo-gel as needed, but do not overdo it, again follow the label
4. DO NOT PLACE an aspirin on the gums, this will kill your gum tissue
5. Rinse with essential oral mixtures that have soothing applications
6. Call us and we will see you the same day!