A sudden zing from ice water isn’t the same thing as the deep, throbbing pain that wakes you at 3 a.m. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether to try simple fixes—or call us the same day.

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What “just sensitivity” feels like

Sensitivity is usually a brief, sharp twinge set off by cold, sweet, touch, or air. It fades in seconds once the trigger is gone. Common causes:

• Receding gums exposing root surface
• Worn enamel from grinding or acidic drinks
• A recent cleaning/whitening or a new filling adjusting

If this sounds like you, it’s uncomfortable—but not an emergency.

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What an emergency feels like

Urgent tooth problems send different signals. Call the clinic now (or go to urgent care/ER if you have trouble breathing or swallowing) if you notice:

• Lingering pain that lasts 30+ seconds after cold or keeps throbbing on its own
• Worse with heat, or wakes you at night
• Swelling of gum or face, fever, bad taste or drainage
• Pain on biting that feels like the tooth is “taller”
• Broken/cracked tooth, sharp edge cutting your tongue, or knocked-out tooth
• Pain after recent trauma (fall, sports hit)

These signs usually mean the nerve is inflamed or infected, or the tooth/ligament is injured—and waiting makes it harder to fix.

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Why teeth hurt (the simple version)

Inside every tooth is a tiny living space with a nerve and blood supply. If cold air hits exposed root or thin enamel, you get a quick surface zing (sensitivity). If bacteria slip deep inside through decay, a crack, or a leaky old filling, pressure builds in that tiny space—that’s the deep, throbbing pain that lingers and can lead to swelling.

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A simple at-home plan (until we see you)

For sensitivity (short, trigger-based pain):

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste (potassium nitrate) twice daily; give it 2–4 weeks.
• Switch to a soft brush, light pressure, and lukewarm water.
• Rinse with water after acidic drinks (sparkling water, citrus); don’t brush immediately.
• If you clench/grind, ask about a night guard.

For emergency-type pain (lingering, throbbing, swelling):

• Take acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen as labeled (if safe for you). Avoid putting aspirin on the gum—it burns tissue.
• Cold compress on the cheek for swelling.
• Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that tooth.
• Lost filling/crown? Temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can protect the spot for a day or two.
• Knocked-out adult tooth: hold by the crown (top), gently rinse if dirty, reinsert if you can and bite on gauze—or keep it in milk and get urgent care within an hour.

How we figure it out (what to expect at the visit)

We’ll listen to your story (what triggers it, how long it lasts), test the tooth gently (cold/biting), and take focused x-rays; sometimes we add a small 3-D scan to look for cracks or hidden infections. The goal is simple: confirm the cause and choose the least invasive fix that will actually solve it.

• Sensitivity fixes often include fluoride or desensitizers, sealing exposed root, adjusting your bite, or protecting the tooth with a small restoration or night guard.
• Deep pain or swelling may need a root canal (to clean and seal the inside), gum/periodontal care, or—if the tooth is cracked badly—another plan. We’ll explain options in plain language before we do anything.

When to call now vs. soon

• Call now (same day): pain that lingers or throbs, wakes you at night, gets worse with heat, any swelling/fever, trauma, or a broken tooth with sharp edges or deep sensitivity.
• Call soon (this week): brief cold/sweet zings, chipped enamel without pain, a crown that feels a bit “high,” or sensitivity after a cleaning/whitening that isn’t settling after a few days.

What this means for you

Most tooth pain has a clear cause and a clear fix. The trick is not to ignore the red flags. If your pain is brief and trigger-based, start the simple sensitivity plan and book a routine visit. If it lingers, throbs, or swells, treat it like the urgent problem it is—we’ll see you quickly and get you comfortable.

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Looking ahead

Teeth do best when they’re protected from acids, clenching, and leaks. Small steps—gentle brushing, desensitizing toothpaste, a good seal on old work, and a night guard if you grind—prevent many emergencies. And if something flares up, you don’t have to diagnose it alone. Tell us what you feel; we’ll do the rest.