When the inside of a tooth becomes irritated, symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and then settle back down.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain while chewing
- Throbbing discomfort
- Pressure around one tooth
- Random sharp pain that disappears quickly
Even if the pain stops for a while, the underlying issue may still be there.
What Can Cause Tooth Pain?
There are several reasons a tooth may hurt off and on, including:
- Deep decay
- A cracked tooth
- An old filling or crown
- Infection inside the tooth
- Inflammation of the tooth nerve
Sometimes the pain actually decreases as the nerve inside the tooth starts to die. While that may sound like a good sign, the infection can still continue spreading underneath.
Signs It Should Be Checked
It is a good idea to have the tooth evaluated if you notice:
- Lingering sensitivity to heat
- Pain that keeps returning
- Swelling near the gums
- Pain when biting down
- Discomfort that wakes you up at night
These symptoms can indicate something more serious than normal sensitivity.
When to See an Endodontist
If tooth pain keeps coming back, it is usually best not to wait for it to become unbearable before getting it checked.
At Edge Endodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tooth pain using modern technology designed to make treatment as comfortable as possible.
Sometimes, a toothache that “comes and goes” is the first warning sign that the tooth needs attention.