Symptom

Possible Causes

Possible Solutions

Sharp pain when you bite down

Tooth decay or a loose filling

A new restoration to restore the tooth

An infection inside the inner pulp layer of your tooth

You may need root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue

A cracked tooth

Cracked teeth can often be saved by placing a crown to protect and strengthen

Severe pain, pressure, or swelling in your mouth that does not go away

An abscess of a tooth root, in the gum tissue, or in the jaw bone

Call us for an emergency appointment and take over-the-counter pain meds until we see you. Root canal, extraction, gum treatment or other therapies may be needed.

Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets

Dental treatment
(temporary tooth sensitivity is normal after any dental treatment as it can disturb the nerves within the tooth)

Will usually subside within several days. Over-the-counter meds are often helpful. Sometimes bite adjustment is needed.

Tooth bleaching
(Some tooth sensitivity is normal after tooth bleaching)

Pain should subside after several days. Sensitive-teeth toothpaste or fluoride also is helpful.

Gum recession

Tooth-colored filling to cover area, sensitive-teeth toothpaste or fluoride

Loose or cracked filling

Replace with new restoration

Cracked tooth

Can often be saved with an onlay or crown to protect tooth

Lingering pain after eating something hot or cold

Deep decay or a fractured tooth

You may need a crown and or a root canal to save your tooth