"Thank you so much
for the service you
have provided for me. I
am extremely
satisfied with the
outcome of you and
your partner’s hard
work during this
procedure. I have to
say that you both
worked in tandem
really really well.
Having this root
canal done was not
as bad as I’ve heard in
the past. In fact I
probably could have
fallen asleep both
times.
Thanks again and God
bless you all."
~Bart M
Tooth Pain Guide
Symptom
Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum and sensitivity to touch.
Possible problem
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding gum and 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 until you see the endodontist.
Symptom
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 analgesic or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist for evaluation.
Symptom
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.
Symptom
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 serious 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
Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth. Brush up and down with a soft brush; brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your general dentist.
Symptom
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment.
Possible problem
Dental work may inflame the pulp, or nerves, inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.
What to do
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your general dentist.
Symptom
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 also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What to do
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp tissue damage, your dentist may send you to an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in pulp-related procedures. Your endodontist will perform a procedure that cleans out the damaged pulp and fills and seals the remaining space. This procedure is commonly called a "root canal."
Symptom
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.
