Before You Use This Article

This page is written for patient education and appointment planning. It cannot diagnose symptoms or tell you which treatment is right for you.

Tooth Pain Has Different Causes

Tooth pain can be linked with decay, gum problems, sensitivity, injury, grinding, an abscess or a tooth that needs restoration. The right treatment depends on a dental examination.

Reasons to Book a Dental Visit

  • Pain that lasts more than a short time or keeps coming back.
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods that is worsening.
  • Swelling near a tooth or gum, bad taste or pus.
  • Pain after a broken tooth, filling problem or dental injury.

Do Not Delay These Symptoms

Seek prompt dental or medical care if tooth pain is associated with facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing or severe spreading pain.

Possible Next Steps

The dentist may recommend cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, extraction or another plan after examining the tooth. Website content cannot identify which option is right for an individual tooth.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general patient education only. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment, emergency care or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.