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Dr. Lawrence J Posner
15310 Amberly Dr.
Palm Lakes Office Bldg. Suite 155
Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 975-8711
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Tooth Pain
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Symptom: Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts only moments, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally
does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by
minimal gum recession that exposes small areas of the root surface.
What To Do
Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth such as Sensodyne Toothpaste. Using
your finger or Q-tip, gently apply the Sensodyne toothpaste to the exposed root
surface three times per day. Leave a coating on the exposed root surface. If this
is unsuccessful, see your dentist.
Symptom: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment
Possible Problem
Dental work may inflame the pulp, inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.
What To Do
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
Symptom: Sharp pain when biting down on food
Possible Problem
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling,
or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What To Do
See your dentist for evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist
may send you to an endodontist. Cracked tooth pain comes from damage to the inner
soft tissue of the tooth, the pulp. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in
pulp-related procedures. Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment,
can relieve that pain.
Symptom: Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What To Do
See your endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
Symptom: Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum, and sensitivity
to touch
Possible Problem
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected.
What To Do
See you endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the
tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you see the endodontist.
Symptom: Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw
Possible Problem
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding or clenching
of the teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What To Do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medicine. For bruxism,
consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist
for evaluation.
Symptom: Chronic pain in head, neck, or ear
Possible Problem
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck, referred
pain, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible.
What To Do
See your endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth,
your endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician.
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- Don't ignore minor or transient pain. It may be a sign of a problem that can be
treated before a serious toothache develops. Sharp pain on biting may be a symptom
of a cracked or loose filling, a crack in a tooth or decay.
- A more severe toothache may mean the tooth's soft inner tissue, called the pulp,
is damaged as a result of deep decay or trauma. A root canal procedure can relieve
the pain and save the tooth by removing the pulp and cleaning, filling and sealing
the canals. The tooth is then restored with a crown or other restoration.
- Don't suffer in silence if you do develop a severe toothache at an inopportune time.
Endodontists provide emergency care and will often see patients in pain on short
notice. Often they can assess the situation by phone and prescribe medication to
control the pain until treatment can be provided. Toothaches seem to hurt more at
night because the blood goes to your head when you lie down. Elevating your head
may help ease the pain.
- If you're afraid of dental work, talk to your dentist about your fears. This can
help ease anxiety, and studies show that relaxed patients feel less pain. Tell the
dentist if you're afraid of having an anesthetic. When anesthetic is administered
slowly after the area is numbed with a topical anesthetic, patients usually feel
little or no pain. If you feel pain during treatment, tell the dentist. In most
cases, something can be done to alleviate any discomfort.
- Tooth pain doesn't always signal a dental problem. Several conditions including
sinus infections and neurological disorders can cause toothaches. A common sinus
condition called acute maxillary sinusitus (AMS) is often mistaken for a tooth problem
and can be treated with medications, including antibiotics. Indications that the
pain may be caused by AMS include pain that increases when you bend over, a recent
cold and recent air travel.
- Endodontists have special training and expertise in diagnosing and treating oral
and facial pain, and often see patients with AMS and other non-dental pain. If you
have pain that a dentist is unable to diagnose, or that persists after a dental
procedure, ask about referral to an endodontist. The endodontist will assess the
problem and, if necessary, direct you to an ear, nose and throat specialist, neurologist
or other doctor who can help you.
- Take care of your teeth. Brush, floss and get regular check-ups. It's the best way
to avoid dental pain and to keep your teeth for a lifetime.
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