Severe Toothache

The treatment for a toothache may involve a somewhat invasive dental procedure such as a dental filling, root canal, dental bridge, dental crown or ultimately, a tooth extraction. But treatment today can be comfortable, and in fact, often helps you avoid tooth extraction. In addition, today's cosmetic dentistry options, like dental veneers and dental implants, offer alternatives to traditional treatment, and provide a greater esthetic and functional benefit.

Toothache Types and What They May Mean

Evaluation and diagnosis by a dental professional can determine the type of toothache you are suffering from, and its source.

• Sharp, Intermittent Tooth Sensitivity or Pain:

  Sensitivity to cold may denote gum recession, enamel loss from over-brushing or aging, wear and tear or a small dental cavity. Sensitivity to heat may also signify a small cavity, but it could be the result of an abscess, crack or severe decay.

• Chronic Toothache:

  If one or more of your teeth is affected by chronic pain, nerve damage could be the cause. Nerve damage may result from teeth grinding, severe tooth decay or trauma to the teeth through injury.

• Intense, Throbbing Pain:

  Intense, throbbing pain, sometimes accompanied by a swollen face, is often a sign of an infection or abscess.

• Painful Eating:

  If it is painful for you to eat, the culprit could be tooth decay, or a slight fracture (crack) in a tooth.

• Back-of-the-Jaw Pain:

  Pain in the back of the jaw may be associated with impacted wisdom teeth (back molars). But it could also be a sign of TMD or teeth grinding, both of which can cause jaw pain, and pain throughout other facial bone areas.

Toothaches range in severity, particularly in terms of tooth sensitivity and pain levels. An intermittent pain may seem little more than an occasional bother, while a chronic pain may prompt you to take immediate action.

Regardless of the type, your toothache should be evaluated by a dental professional through an oral health examination.