A dull ache or a sharp twinge in your tooth can be easy to ignore, especially with a busy schedule. You might hope it just goes away on its own. While some minor tooth sensitivity is temporary, persistent or severe tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Ignoring it can lead to more complex and costly problems down the road. Understanding when tooth pain requires a professional evaluation is key to protecting your oral and overall health.
At Harris Dental, our expert team, led by Dr. Brian Harris and Dr. Scott Harris, is dedicated to helping the Phoenix community understand their oral health. A simple checkup can be the difference between a minor fix and a major procedure.
Signs Your Tooth Pain Might Be Serious
Not all toothaches are created equal. Certain symptoms warrant an immediate call to your dentist. Pay close attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent, Severe Pain: Pain that lasts for more than a day or two, or is so intense that it disrupts your sleep or daily activities, is a clear red flag.
- Pain When Biting or Chewing: Discomfort when you apply pressure could indicate a cracked tooth, a cavity, or damage to a filling.
- Swelling in Your Gums or Face: Swelling is often a sign of infection, such as a dental abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that can form at the root of a tooth and requires urgent care to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: While mild sensitivity is common, sharp or lingering pain after exposure to temperature changes can signal that the tooth’s nerve is irritated or exposed due to decay or a fracture.
- A Bad Taste in Your Mouth or Bad Breath: A persistent foul taste or odor that doesn’t go away with brushing could be caused by an infection or advanced gum disease.
How Dental Checkups Save You Time, Money, and Stress
It may seem counter-intuitive, but scheduling regular dental checkups can save you significant time and money. When you visit Harris Dental for a routine exam, Dr. Brian Harris and Dr. Scott Harris can identify potential issues like small cavities or early-stage gum disease before they cause pain.
Treating these problems early is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable than waiting until you’re in severe pain and need an emergency procedure like a root canal or extraction. Regular checkups prevent a small, manageable issue from becoming a stressful, time-consuming, and expensive dental emergency. Think of it as proactive maintenance for your smile.
Don’t wait for pain to become your only motivation for visiting the dentist. If you’re in the Phoenix, AZ area and experiencing any level of tooth discomfort, it’s time to get it checked out. Contact Harris Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Harris or Dr. Scott Harris and ensure your smile stays healthy and pain-free.
CONTACT HARRIS DENTAL:
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
4444 N 32 St Ste 208 Phoenix, Arizona 85018
