Please select from the list below the title that best reflects your pain.
Please select from the list below the title that best reflects your pain.
Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts only less than five seconds, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a permanent problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What To Do
Try toothpastes made for sensitive teeth or topical desensitising agents. Brush up and down with a soft brush; brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your dentist.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment
Possible Problem
Dental work will injure the pulp and on occasion it may cause inflammation too, causing temporary sensitivity.
What To Do
Wait a few days or a week. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
Sharp pain when biting down on food
Possible Problem
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What To Do
See your dentist for an evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. More often than not the pain from a cracked tooth is due to damaged pulp and root canal treatment will likely be necessary to save the tooth. Endodontists are dentists who specialise in pulp-related procedures (i.e. root canal treatment). Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, can relieve that pain and save the tooth.
Most teeth with cracks can be saved and do not require extraction
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What To Do
See your dentist or one of our endodontists to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum, and sensitivity to touch
Possible Problem
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected.
What To Do
See your dentist or one of our four endodontists for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgaesics until as needed to alleviate the discomfort.
Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw
Possible Problem
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What To Do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgaesics or sinus medicine. For clenching, grinding, or bruxism, contact your dentist. If the pain is severe and been present for a while, it is worth coming to the Township Endodontic Centre for an evaluation.
Chronic pain in head, neck, or ear
Possible Problem
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck. This is called referred pain it is often mild and can spread over a large area of your head, jaw, ear, and neck. There are other dental or medical problems that can cause similar symptoms as well. The endodontists at the Township Endodontic Centre are experts in evaluating such cases and determining if a damaged tooth is indeed the source of the problem.
What To Do
See your dentist or one of our endodontists at the Township Endodontic Centre for an evaluation. If we determine the problem is not related to a tooth we will refer you to the appropriate medical or dental specialist.
