Tooth Pain Guide
Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
Please select from the list below the title that best reflects your pain.
Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts only moments, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What To Do
Wait two to four weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
Sharp pain when biting down on food
Possible Problem
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What To Do
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist may send you to an Endodontist. Cracked tooth pain comes from damage to the inner soft tissue of the tooth, the pulp. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in pulp-related procedures. Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, can relieve that pain.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What To Do
See your Endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
Call Cascade Endodontic Group Phone Number 541-388-1500 to schedule your consultation at Cascade Endodontic Group.
Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum, and sensitivity to touch
Possible Problem
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected.
What To Do
See your Endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics (pain killer) until you see the Endodontist.
Call Cascade Endodontic Group Phone Number 541-388-1500 to schedule your consultation at Cascade Endodontic Group.
Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw
Possible Problem
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What To Do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesics (pain killer) or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or Endodontist for evaluation.
Call Cascade Endodontic Group Phone Number 541-388-1500 to schedule your consultation at Cascade Endodontic Group.
Chronic pain in head, neck, or ear
Possible Problem
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible.
What To Do
See your Endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your Endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician.
Call Cascade Endodontic Group Phone Number 541-388-1500 to schedule your consultation at Cascade Endodontic Group.
Suffering From Tooth Pain?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Drs. Bitner, Paparcuri or Woolsey.