Common Causes of Dental Pain

Dental pain is never a fun experience. We always recommend that you come in to see a dentist for a limited exam whenever you are experiencing any negative change in your oral health to make sure it's not something more serious. There are some common causes of dental discomfort that we can provide tips on helping minimize going forward!
 

Lingering Pain after Eating

This could be a sign that your tooth is infected. Do not ignore this symptom as it could lead to your tooth dying from the inside out.

What can we do?
A root canal can help remove dead and dying pulp which can save your tooth! If left untreated built up bacteria can create a life-threatening abscess. 
 

Sharp Pain during Chewing

This could be caused by a variety of things such as tooth decay, a loose filling or even a cracked tooth.

What can we do?
If the symptom is caused by a loose filling this can be easily repaired by a general dentist. Something worse will need to be addressed by a specialist who can assess the tooth decay, seal any cracks in the tooth or protect the root canal.

Sensitivity to Temperature

While the pain from this may be temporary the cause can be more serious. This sensitivity could be caused by tooth decay, an exposed root (due to gum recession or abrasion) or even simply a loose filling.

What can we do?
The best thing to do is not just ignore the sensitivity just because the pain is fleeting. Make sure that you are keeping the gum line and teeth free of bacteria and plaque. Use a toothpaste with fluoride while you brush twice daily to prevent buildup. Proper dental care can often reverse tooth sensitivity along with yearly exams and regular cleanings. 
 

Sensitivity after Dental Work

Fixing a problem may have caused inflammation inside your teeth and gums. 

What can we do?
Luckily the discomfort after adjusting to a new crown/filling  or while waiting for inflammation to return to normal is short-lived. You can take over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your doctor. We always recommend calling your dentist back if you are experiencing long-term pain after any dental work.
 

Constant Pain

Long-lasting pain can be caused by an acute infection. If you allow this to continue without treatment your tooth will eventually die. A dead tooth will lead to an abscess which can be fatal.

What can we do?
Schedule a doctor's appointment as soon as possible to determine the cause of the pain and the proper method for continuing.