How Can We Help You?
FAQs
It Hurts When I Bite Down
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when eating foods or just biting down, we are here to help you. There are two types of pain you may be experiencing. One is a dull ache, the other is a sharp, shooting pain.
A dull ache is usually less problematic but may take longer to resolve. Teeth are surrounded by ligaments that attach to the jaw bone. When these ligaments become inflamed, we feel a dull ache.
Inflammation may arise from biting down on something hard, such as ice or a piece of bone, or it may be from clenching or grinding your teeth. If you bit down on something hard, the dull ache will usually resolve on its own after a week or two.
If you feel soreness in your jaw muscles, have headaches in your temple region, sore neck or shoulder muscles you may be clenching or grinding your teeth. This is a very common issue many people experience and deal with throughout their life. Stress, good or bad, often induces clenching or grinding. When the stressful period is over, the clenching or grinding may stop. However, many people continue to clench or grind their teeth. If this is the case, a nightguard can be made to protect your teeth from fracturing and to relax your jaw muscles. We have several options available to protect your teeth from further damage.
If it feels like a lightning bolt just struck your tooth when you bite down, you may have cracked tooth syndrome. This is a common problem many people experience when they have teeth with older fillings. Over time stress cracks form in our teeth from the normal chewing forces and from the expansion and contraction of older silver fillings. When the stress cracks have gone through the tooth, a sharp pain starts to occur when biting down. Once we have tested and diagnosed the tooth in question, a crown will likely be recommended to correct the problem. Crowns cover and redirect the chewing force away from the crack, thus eliminating the pain.
If you are experiencing either of these types of pain when you bite down, please call our office at 952-934-3383 to schedule an appointment. We will do everything possible to get you in the day you call to diagnose the problem and prescribe a solution.
I have pain or discomfort
Tooth pain is a common and sometimes unsettling experience. Your tooth pain may be new or has been going on for several weeks. It may come and go or may be constant. No matter the variables, there is always an underlying cause. These include, but are not limited to: decay, cracked tooth, trauma from eating a hard piece of food, temperature sensitivity, infection in the tooth, loss of tooth structure, grinding teeth at night or clenching teeth during the day, periodontal disease and gum tissue recession.
Thankfully, there are several solutions to correct the problem and relieve your pain. The most important thing you can do is call our office at 952-934-3383 to schedule a visit.
We will do everything possible to get you in the day you call to diagnose the problem and prescribe the treatment needed. If time is available, we will treat the tooth the same day. If not, we will get you in as soon as possible for treatment.
Tooth pain can get worse over time. If you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort call today for an appointment. The sooner the problem is diagnosed and treated, the better you will feel!
Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
Your dental health is like taking care of a vehicle. Regular oil changes and maintenance helps keep the car running at peak performance for many years to come. However, not keeping up on maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Typically we hear patients say, “If it doesn’t hurt, I don’t need treatment,” but many dental issues don’t have symptoms until they’ve reached advanced and more costly stages of the disease process. Regular cleanings and examinations can keep your teeth healthy and strong throughout your life.
How can I get my kids to brush their teeth?
It’s imperative to teach children that brushing their teeth is important to their overall health. In order to do that, you have to make brushing their teeth fun. Parents need to be enthusiastic about their own teeth because children emulate what their parents do.
Why does the dentist take x-rays?
Many diseases of teeth and soft tissue surrounding the tooth are under the surface to where a dentist examination can’t see without the use of X-ray. Some of these issues include, infections in the bone, gum disease, abscesses and cysts, and some types of tumors. Finding these issues in early stages can save time, money, and unnecessary discomfort. We’re happy to answer any additional questions or concerns you might have with X-ray procedures.
What is fluoride and why is it important to dental health?
Fluoride helps your tooth enamel become more resistant to acid from the plaque in your mouth. This plaque bacteria is a major contributor to tooth decay. Luckily, many city water systems include fluoride so just by drinking tap water, you’ll receive the mineral. It’s also found in apples, skim milk, lettuce, and brewed tea.
How long will the results of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is an investment, and the duration of the effects depend on a few factors. For instance, if you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or eat other acidic foods, your teeth will begin to yellow more quickly. Generally, teeth whitening can last up to a few years, but re-applications can be made to combat natural fading.
I have dentures. Is it necessary for me to still see my dentist?
There is much more to dentistry than just checking teeth. Patients who wear dentures don’t need to worry about tooth decay and the pain associated with that, but they have a different set of warning signs and issues to watch out for. We recommend yearly checkups for our dental patients to check the fit of their dentures or for any mouth sores. During these exams we can also check for oral cancer and perform a neck exam to make sure the fit is ideal and comfortable.
