What your tooth pain may mean
Different kinds of tooth pain point to different problems, and knowing the difference helps you decide how quickly to be seen.
Trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, or a serious injury to the face? Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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A brief twinge with hot or cold
Possible cause
If the discomfort lasts only a moment, it usually is not serious. A loose filling or a little gum recession that exposes the root surface can cause it.
What to do
Try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and brush gently up and down with a soft brush. If it does not improve, see your dentist.
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Sensitivity after recent dental work
Possible cause
Dental work can temporarily inflame the pulp inside the tooth.
What to do
Give it four to six weeks. If the pain continues or gets worse, see your dentist.
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Sharp pain when you bite down
Possible cause
Decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. The pulp inside the tooth may be affected.
What to do
See your dentist or call us for an evaluation. Cracks are often treatable, especially when found early.
About cracked teeth -
Pain that lingers after hot or cold
Possible cause
This usually means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or an injury.
What to do
Root canal treatment can usually save the tooth and relieve the pain. Call us to be seen.
About root canal treatment -
Constant, severe pain with swelling or tenderness to touch
Possible cause
The tooth may be abscessed, with infection spreading into the surrounding bone.
What to do
Call us the same day. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever until you are seen. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room.
Dental emergencies -
A dull ache and pressure in the upper teeth and jaw
Possible cause
Sinus congestion is often felt in the upper teeth. Clenching or grinding, called bruxism, can cause a similar ache.
What to do
For a sinus headache, try an over-the-counter pain reliever or sinus medicine. For grinding, talk to your dentist. If the pain is severe or ongoing, have it evaluated.
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Ongoing pain in the head, neck or ear
Possible cause
A tooth with a damaged pulp can cause pain elsewhere in the head and neck, but other dental or medical problems can too.
What to do
Have it evaluated. If the problem is not coming from a tooth, Dr. El-Refai will refer you to the right specialist or physician.
Only an exam can tell for certain what is causing your pain. If you are hurting, call or text us and we will do our best to see you the same day.
Relief starts with a call
Call or text, and we will find the soonest time that works. If you are in pain, tell us when you call, and we will do everything we can to see you the same day.
3985 Medina Road, Suite 160, Medina. Mon, Tue, Thu 7 am to 4 pm; Wed by appointment; Fri closed.