Whenever I have something really cold it goes right to the root and for a few seconds it really hurts and then subsides.. this also happens if I drink through a straw, press on the affected tooth or have anything sweet. Do I need a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or do I need to go see my dentist for a root canal? Only expert opinions please!
2007-02-16 09:46:57 · 2 answers · asked by shootingstar7678 1 in Health ➔ Dental
It's in one tooth and it has been going on for a little while now..
2007-02-16 10:09:51 · update #1
Is this a specific tooth or several teeth? It could be receded gums causing the pain or possibly a little decay. The only way to be positive is for you to go see your dentist and have him take a look and take an x ray if necessary. Cold, sweets, air, pressure could all be signs of various problems from sensitivity, decay, tooth brush abrasion, cracked or fractured tooth, lost restoration and the list goes on and on. Don't jump to the conclusion that you need a root canal just because you have some sensitivity. A tooth that's in need of a root canal usually has decay present and has hurt off and on for some time with more pain than just a few seconds. I'm guessing it's just some exposed root due to tooth brush abrasion that's causing this sensitivity. If it is try using Sensodyne tooth paste, it takes a couple of weeks for you to notice the effects of it though. The only way to know for sure is to see your dentist. Good luck and wish I could have been of more help.
Response to additional information: since this is one tooth it seems more likely that you may have some decay going on causing this sensitivity. If it was recession, it would be on several teeth due to tooth brush abrasion. So sensitive to cold, sweets and pressure is a good indication that you need to see your dentist for an exam and a x ray to make sure the tooth is sound. Good luck and don't wait too long on taking care of this as if it's decay it may be getting close to the nerve and you want to avoid a root canal if at all possible. It's a lot less expensive for a filling too.
2007-02-16 10:03:05 · answer #1 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a dentist but have had three root canal operations during the past two years (and I'm still young!). My most severe tooth pain could only be relieved by holding ice cold water in my mouth. My dentist informed me that had this pain been caused by a cavity, the cold water would have been unbearable, not therapeutic. So the fact that your tooth is sensitive to both cold and sweet substances suggests you may simply need a filling. In my case, all three teeth that needed root canals were abscessed and pressing on the gum area beneath the tooth where the infection was building was incredibly painful. Regardless, you should see your dentist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis. If you are in need of a root canal, don't fret, they are not painful and your mouth will be completely numb throughout the entire procedure. Good luck!
2007-02-18 14:23:50 · answer #2 · answered by Nokona 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See your dentist. He/she can determine if you need a root canal.
2007-02-16 09:50:29 · answer #3 · answered by diannegoodwin@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋