Tooth Pain Guide
Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods:
Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts 30 seconds or less, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling, a shallow area of decay, or by minimal gum recession, which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What to Do
Ask your family dentist to make sure your tooth is free of decay and your filling or crown is intact. Then, try using over-the-counter toothpaste made for sensitive teeth (containing the ingredient potassium nitrate) for 4-6 weeks. Brush gently with a soft brush; scrubbing teeth vigorously wears away tooth structure and exposes root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your family dentist for other desensitization options.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment:
Possible Problem
Dental treatments such as fillings or crowns may inflame the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), causing temporary sensitivity.
What to Do
Try home desensitization therapy using over-the-counter toothpaste made for sensitive teeth (containing the ingredient potassium nitrate) for 4-6 weeks. If the sensitivity becomes more frequent, more intense, or longer lasting, see your family dentist for an evaluation.
Sharp pain when biting down on food:
Possible Problem
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose or broken filling, or a crack in the tooth. There also may be temporary or permanent damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What to Do
See your family dentist for evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist may try to repair the crack. If the crack involves the inner soft tissue of the tooth, the pulp, your dentist may refer you to Northwest Endodontic Specialists.
Dr. Odum or Dr. O’Connor will then determine whether root canal treatment can relieve the pain and save your natural tooth.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods:
Possible Problem
Pain after stimulation by cold, hot, or biting that lingers longer than 30 seconds probably means the pulp has been irreversibly damaged by deep decay, bacterial leakage, or physical trauma.
What to Do
Ask your family dentist for a referral to Northwest Endodontic Specialists.
Dr. Odum or Dr. O’Connor will then determine whether root canal treatment can relieve the pain and save your natural tooth.
Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum, and sensitivity to touch:
Possible Problem
A tooth with an inflamed, diseased, and infected pulp may have caused the surrounding bone, ligament and gum to become infected or abscessed.
What To Do
Ask your family dentist for an immediate referral to Northwest Endodontic Specialists. Dr. Odum or Dr. O’Connor will evaluate your dental emergency and determine whether root canal treatment can relieve the pain and save your natural tooth. Your family dentist may prescribe you pain medications or antibiotics prior to your appointment with our office.
Dull ache and pressure in the upper teeth and jaw:
Possible Problem
The pain and pressure of a sinus infection are often felt in the face and in groups of upper teeth. Grinding of the teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache. Additionally, a chronic dental infection may cause inflammation of the sinus tissues.
What to Do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter sinus medications, or visit your family medicine physician. For bruxism, consult with your family dentist. If your family dentist suspects a sinus condition of dental origin, ask for a referral to Northwest Endodontic Specialists. Dr. Odum or Dr. O’Connor will then determine whether root canal treatment can relieve the pain and save your natural tooth.
Chronic pain in head, neck, or ear:
Possible Problem
Pulp-damaged teeth may radiate pain to the head, neck, ear, or surrounding teeth, making the actual origin of the pain confusing. Other dental or medical problems may also be responsible for chronic facial pain.
What to Do
Once your family dentist has ruled out a chronic pain from other facial structures or neurologic conditions, and they suspect a dental origin, ask them to refer you to Northwest Endodontic Specialists. Dr. Odum or Dr. O’Connor will then determine whether a tooth is the origin of your chronic facial pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.