Top 6 Reasons Your Tooth Has Been Hurting You.

Not all toothaches are the same!  Depending on the symptoms, toothaches can require different treatments.  Understanding these symptoms can help Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly determine how to help you feel better, faster.

SYMPTOM: MOMENTARY SENSITIVITY TO HOT OR COLD FOODS.

Possible problem: If the discomfort is brief (5 seconds), sensitivity to hot and cold foods usually does not indicate a major problem. Short lived sensitivity can be caused by recession of the gums, a leaking filling, or a small cavity. 

How to treat it: Using toothpastes made for sensitivity can help reduce momentary sensitivity to cold.  However, while most patients note a marked improvement, there may be some mild sensitivity even after using sensitive toothpastes.  Note that it may take up-to two weeks for the active ingredient to start working. If you are still having discomfort contact our office. 

SYMPTOM: SENSITIVITY TO HOT OR COLD FOODS AFTER DENTAL TREATMENT.

Possible problem: Dental work can irritate the nerve inside teeth.  It is not uncommon for teeth to be sensitive to hot and cold after dental treatment.  

How to treat it:  Wait a few weeks, but please know if the dental work you received is not perfect Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly want to know right away!

SYMPTOM: PAIN WHEN BITING DOWN.

Possible problem: There are several possible causes to pain on pressure (or biting down).  Most often we find that this is due to a fracture in the tooth.  However, a dental abscess may also be the culprit.  Likewise, if dental work was recently done the way your teeth fit together (occlusion) may be off.   

How to treat it: See Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly right away.  Depending on the extent of the fracture or abscess you may need a crown or root canal. 

SYMPTOM: LASTING PAIN, AFTER EATING HOT OR COLD FOODS.

Possible problem: This usually indicates that the nerve inside the tooth has started to die.  In most cases this will require you to have a root canal.  

How to treat it: See Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly right away! We will asses the tooth and determine if you need to see a root canal specialist.  

SYMPTOM: CONSTANT AND SEVERE PAIN AND PRESSURE, SWELLING OF GUM AND SENSITIVITY TO TOUCH.

Possible problem: There may be an infection at the root of a tooth.  In this case the tooth has most likely died.  Dental infections can be serious, and in rare cases life threatening.  Please don't delay in seeing us.  

How to treat it: See Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly right away!

SYMPTOM: ACHE AND PRESSURE IN UPPER TEETH OFTEN ONLY ON ONE SIDE.

Possible problem: Sinus infections can mimic the symptoms of a tooth ache. 

How to treat it: Sinus problems have a tendency to arise when temperatures change or when pollen is high.   It is important to have Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly evaluate the area to determine if it is a dental or sinus issue.  Often antibiotics and a decongestant are prescribed.