In the presence of pain, we recommend that you contact the practice. By asking several questions and performing both clinical and radiological examinations, the dentist can make the correct diagnosis and draw up a suitable treatment proposal together with you.
Pain that develops on its own and persists often indicates a problem. If the pain is sharp and stabbing in nature and radiating to other teeth, it may indicate a nerve inflammation of the tooth. Pain from nerve inflammation may increase with hot food or drink and decrease with cold food or drink. Nerve inflammation is characterized by a strong immune response from the blood vessels in the tooth. These blood vessels “open up” so to speak, and as fluid drains out, pressure in the tooth nerve will increase. This increase in pressure is accompanied by pain. Sometimes the pain goes away on its own; it is a possibility that the tooth nerve has died. As a result of the nerve dying the pain will decrease and go away after a few days. After some time, however, the tooth or molar may become sensitive again. The pain is different now. The pain is deeper in the jaw and duller in character. It is now easier to point out the painful tooth or molar.
If a tooth feels a little higher and is sensitive when biting, it may indicate root tip inflammation. The sharp pain with nerve inflammation may not go away, and the pain may worsen when biting, and applying pressure on the tooth. In this case, you probably have a combination of root tip inflammation and nerve inflammation. As a complication, swelling may occur.
In addition to the sharp stabbing pain that persists, there is the pain that occurs with hot or cold food and drink. This pain indicates a hypersensitive nerve or sensitive tooth neck. If a sensitive tooth neck is the cause, the pain often goes away on its own. However, if the tooth becomes increasingly sensitive and the pain lasts longer, it may indicate nerve inflammation.
Finally, there is the nagging and gnawing pain. This, in combination with a bad, bitter taste in the mouth, can be caused by inflamed gums or a ruptured (wisdom) tooth. There is often a sore spot on the gums and the gums may also be thicker.