Dental Symptoms Reference Chart

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.

A dull ache in upper teeth and jaw

A sinus headache or a sinus infection (upper back teeth are very close to the sinus

Your physician can treat if pain is from sinus. Antibiotics and over-the-counter sinus meds can reduce sinus pain.

Grinding or clenching your teeth (called bruxism) - can cause a dull ache in the upper jaw along with sensitive teeth and sore muscles

A night guard, bite adjustment, muscle relaxants or other therapies may be needed.

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

Root canal therapy, gum cleaning or other therapy

Pain in your head, neck, or ear that does not go away

Damaged or infected nerve tissue in your teeth

Root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the infected tissue

Problems in your jaw joints or spasm of the muscles that move your jaw

Possible solutions could be a night guard or full time orthotic, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medication

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