TOOTH PAIN GUIDE
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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. |
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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. |
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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." |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 physician. |
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