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Symptom
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Possible Problem
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What to Do
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| Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods |
If the discomfort lasts only moments, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a serious problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface. |
Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth. Brush up and down with a soft brush; brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your general dentist. |
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| Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment. |
Dental work may inflame the pulp, or nerves, inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity. |
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your general dentist. |
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| Sharp pain when biting down on food. |
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling or a crack in the tooth. There may also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth. |
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp tissue damage, your dentist may send you to an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in pulp-related procedures. Your endodontist will perform a procedure that cleans out the damaged pulp and fills and seals the remaining space. This procedure is commonly called a "root canal". |
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| Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods. |
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma. |
See your endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment. |
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Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum and sensitivity to touch.
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A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding gum and bone to become infected. |
See your endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you see the endodontist. |
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| Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw. |
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. |
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesic or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist for evaluation. |
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| Chronic pain in head, neck or ear. |
Sometimes pulp damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible. |
See your endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician. |
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