How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is one of the most commonly misunderstood dental procedures.

Many people associate a root canal with pain, but modern dental techniques, local anaesthetic and sedation options can make treatment much more comfortable than many patients expect.

If you have tooth pain, you may be wondering:

How do I know if I need a root canal?

The answer depends on what is happening inside the tooth. A dental examination and appropriate imaging are usually required to determine whether the nerve or pulp of the tooth has become inflamed, infected or irreversibly damaged.

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth is a soft area called the dental pulp.

The pulp contains:

• Nerves

• Blood vessels

• Connective tissue

If the pulp becomes severely inflamed or infected, the tooth may cause significant pain.

Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the tooth.

The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove the source of infection or inflammation while preserving the natural tooth where possible.

What Are the Signs You May Need a Root Canal?

1. Severe Toothache

Severe tooth pain may be a sign that the dental nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected.

The pain may be:

• Throbbing

• Constant

• Sharp

• Worse at night

• Triggered by hot or cold foods

• Worse when biting

Severe tooth pain should be assessed promptly.

However, toothache can have many possible causes, so pain alone does not automatically mean that you need a root canal.

2. Lingering Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

It is normal for some teeth to experience a brief sensation when exposed to cold or hot temperatures.

However, if the pain lingers for a significant period after the source of the temperature has been removed, it may indicate inflammation of the dental pulp.

For example, you may drink something cold and continue to experience pain long after finishing the drink.

This type of lingering sensitivity should be assessed by a dentist.

3. Pain When Biting or Chewing

Pain when biting down may be associated with:

• Inflammation inside the tooth

• A dental infection

• A cracked tooth

• A damaged filling

• Problems around the tooth root

If the pain is persistent or worsening, a dental examination may be required.

4. Swelling Around the Tooth

Swelling around a tooth may indicate an infection.

You may notice:

• A swollen gum

• A small pimple or bump on the gum

• Facial swelling

• Tenderness around the tooth

An infection inside a tooth can spread into the surrounding tissues.

Prompt dental assessment is recommended if you notice swelling.

5. A Dental Abscess

A dental abscess may develop when bacteria enter the inner part of a tooth and cause infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe throbbing pain

• Swelling

• Pus

• A bad taste in the mouth

• Fever

• Pain when biting

A dental abscess requires professional assessment.

Depending on the condition of the tooth, root canal treatment may be one treatment option to remove the source of infection and preserve the tooth.

6. A Deep Cavity

A cavity that extends deeply into the tooth may eventually reach the dental pulp.

If the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, a filling may no longer be sufficient.

Root canal treatment may be considered to preserve the remaining tooth structure.

7. A Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A crack in a tooth can allow bacteria to reach the inner part of the tooth.

A cracked tooth may cause:

• Sharp pain when biting

• Pain when releasing your bite

• Sensitivity to hot and cold

• Intermittent toothache

The treatment required depends on the location and severity of the crack.

Some cracked teeth may be treated with root canal treatment and a crown, while severely fractured teeth may not be restorable.

Can I Need a Root Canal Without Pain?

Yes.

Some teeth requiring root canal treatment may not cause significant pain.

A tooth may have a damaged or dead nerve and still appear relatively comfortable.

In some cases, the problem may be discovered during a routine dental examination or on an X-ray.

This is one reason why regular dental check-ups can be important.

How Does a Dentist Know If I Need a Root Canal?

Your dentist may assess:

• Your symptoms

• The history of your tooth pain

• Your response to hot and cold testing

• Your response to tapping or biting

• The condition of the tooth

• The surrounding gum tissues

• Dental X-rays where clinically indicated

In some cases, additional imaging may be recommended.

The goal is to determine whether the dental pulp is healthy, inflamed, infected or no longer viable.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Many patients are surprised to learn that the procedure itself is often much more comfortable than they expect.

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area.

For patients who are anxious about dental treatment, sedation may also be an option in suitable circumstances.

The level of discomfort after treatment can vary depending on the condition of the tooth and the extent of infection or inflammation.

Your dentist will provide instructions for managing your recovery.

Root Canal Treatment Under Dental Sedation

Dental anxiety is very common.

Some patients delay root canal treatment because they are worried about:

• Pain

• The sound of dental instruments

• The length of treatment

• Previous negative dental experiences

• Feeling anxious or unable to relax in the dental chair

Sedation may help selected patients feel more relaxed during dental treatment.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation uses medication to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during dental treatment.

Depending on the type of sedation used, you may remain conscious and able to communicate with the dental team while feeling calmer and more comfortable.

The appropriate sedation option depends on:

• Your medical history

• Your level of anxiety

• The complexity of the procedure

• The expected length of treatment

• Your individual health circumstances

Can I Have a Root Canal Under IV Sedation?

Selected patients may be suitable for IV sedation during dental treatment.

IV sedation may be considered for patients who:

• Experience significant dental anxiety

• Have had a previous traumatic dental experience

• Have difficulty relaxing during dental treatment

• Require lengthy or complex dental procedures

• Prefer a more relaxed treatment experience

Your suitability for IV sedation must be assessed before treatment.

Specific fasting instructions may apply, and patients receiving IV sedation generally require an appropriate escort home after treatment.

Your dental team will provide detailed instructions before your appointment.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

The length of treatment depends on:

• The tooth being treated

• The number of root canals

• The complexity of the root canal anatomy

• The presence of infection

• The condition of the tooth

• Whether additional restorative treatment is required

Some root canal treatments can be completed in one appointment, while others may require multiple appointments.

After root canal treatment, the tooth may require a restoration such as a crown to help protect the remaining tooth structure.

Does Every Tooth Need a Crown After a Root Canal?

Not necessarily.

The type of restoration required depends on:

• The tooth's location

• The amount of remaining tooth structure

• The extent of damage

• The forces placed on the tooth

Back teeth often experience significant chewing forces and may require additional protection.

Your dentist can discuss the most appropriate restoration for your tooth.

What Happens If I Do Not Have a Root Canal?

If a tooth has an infected or severely damaged dental pulp and is left untreated, the problem may progress.

Possible complications include:

• Increasing pain

• Dental abscess

• Swelling

• Bone damage

• Spread of infection

• Loss of the tooth

The appropriate treatment depends on the individual situation.

In some cases, the options may include root canal treatment or extraction.

Can a Root Canal Save My Tooth?

In many cases, root canal treatment can help preserve a natural tooth that might otherwise require extraction.

Preserving a natural tooth may help maintain:

• Chewing function

• The position of surrounding teeth

• Jawbone support

• Your natural bite

However, not every tooth can be saved.

The prognosis depends on factors such as:

• The extent of decay

• The amount of remaining tooth structure

• The severity of any crack

• The condition of the surrounding bone and gums

• The quality of the root canal treatment and final restoration

When Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?

Seek urgent dental care if you experience:

• Severe or worsening tooth pain

• Facial swelling

• Swelling around the gums

• Fever

• Pus or a bad taste

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly increasing facial swelling, requires immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a root canal or a filling?

A filling may be suitable when decay has not reached or permanently damaged the dental pulp. If the pulp is severely inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be required.

Can a tooth infection go away without a root canal?

An infection inside a tooth generally requires professional treatment. The appropriate treatment may involve root canal treatment or extraction, depending on whether the tooth can be restored.

Can I have a root canal if I am scared of the dentist?

Yes. Dental sedation may be an option for selected patients who experience significant dental anxiety.

Is IV sedation available for root canal treatment?

Selected patients may be suitable for IV sedation, depending on their health, medical history and the complexity of the dental treatment.

How long does a root canal last?

A successfully treated tooth can provide long-term function when properly restored and maintained. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene remain important.

Is it better to have a root canal or extract the tooth?

The answer depends on the condition of the tooth. When a tooth can be predictably restored, preserving the natural tooth may be considered. In other cases, extraction may be the more appropriate option.

Root Canal Treatment and Dental Sedation in Sydney

Severe tooth pain should not be ignored.

If you have lingering sensitivity, pain when biting, a cracked tooth, swelling or a dental abscess, you may require prompt dental assessment.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we assess patients experiencing tooth pain and dental infections and can discuss appropriate treatment options.

For suitable patients who experience dental anxiety, dental sedation may be available to help create a calmer and more comfortable treatment experience.

If you are concerned that you may need a root canal or are anxious about dental treatment, contact us to discuss your options.

📞 Call Pain Free Dentist Sydney on 9558 8988.

Serving patients in Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park and Sydney's Inner West.

Wisdom Tooth Pain: Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom tooth pain is a common reason people seek urgent dental care.

You may experience pain at the back of your mouth, swollen gums, difficulty opening your mouth or discomfort when chewing. Sometimes wisdom tooth pain comes and goes, while other times it can become severe and require urgent treatment.

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, you may be wondering:

Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

The answer depends on the position of your wisdom teeth, your symptoms and whether they are causing damage or ongoing problems.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars at the back of the mouth.

Most people have up to four wisdom teeth:

• Two in the upper jaw

• Two in the lower jaw

They usually begin to develop during the teenage years and may erupt during the late teenage years or early adulthood.

However, not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth, and some people do not develop wisdom teeth at all.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?

Wisdom teeth can cause pain for several reasons.

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A wisdom tooth is impacted when it does not have enough space to erupt properly.

It may remain partially covered by gum or become trapped against another tooth.

An impacted wisdom tooth may cause:

• Pain

• Pressure

• Swelling

• Infection

• Damage to neighbouring teeth

The position of the tooth can usually be assessed with dental X-rays.

2. Infection Around the Wisdom Tooth

When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, bacteria and food can become trapped around the gum.

This can cause inflammation and infection, known as pericoronitis.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain at the back of the mouth

• Swollen gums

• Bad taste

• Bad breath

• Difficulty opening the mouth

• Pain when swallowing

• Facial swelling

Recurring infections around a wisdom tooth may be an indication that removal should be considered.

3. Lack of Space

Sometimes there is simply not enough room for the wisdom tooth to erupt properly.

The tooth may grow at an angle or push against the neighbouring molar.

This can make cleaning difficult and may increase the risk of:

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Infection

• Damage to the adjacent tooth

4. Tooth Decay

Wisdom teeth can be difficult to brush and floss effectively because they are located at the very back of the mouth.

This can increase the risk of tooth decay.

If the tooth is difficult to restore or is repeatedly causing problems, removal may be recommended.

5. Cysts or Other Problems

In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth may be associated with a cyst or other changes in the surrounding bone.

Although uncommon, this is one reason why assessment and appropriate dental imaging may be recommended.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

No.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed.

A wisdom tooth may not require removal if it:

• Has erupted normally

• Is healthy

• Can be cleaned effectively

• Is not causing pain

• Is not damaging neighbouring teeth

• Is not associated with infection or other pathology

Your dentist can assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth and discuss whether monitoring or removal is appropriate.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom tooth removal may be recommended if the tooth is causing:

• Repeated pain

• Recurrent infection

• Gum swelling

• Tooth decay

• Damage to the neighbouring tooth

• Cysts or other pathology

• Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene

• Significant crowding or other dental problems

The decision should be based on an individual assessment.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches or Jaw Pain?

Wisdom tooth problems can sometimes contribute to pain around the jaw and face.

You may experience:

• Jaw pain

• Facial discomfort

• Ear pain

• Difficulty opening the mouth

• Headaches associated with pain and muscle tension

However, headaches and jaw pain can have many different causes.

If your symptoms continue after the wisdom tooth problem has been treated, further assessment may be required to investigate other possible causes, including TMJ problems or teeth grinding.

What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Consultation?

During a consultation, your dentist may:

• Discuss your symptoms

• Examine your teeth and gums

• Assess the position of the wisdom tooth

• Check for infection or swelling

• Evaluate the neighbouring teeth

• Take dental X-rays where clinically indicated

For more complex cases, additional imaging such as a CBCT scan may be recommended to assess the relationship between the tooth roots and important anatomical structures.

Your dentist can then discuss whether the wisdom tooth should be monitored, treated or removed.

Wisdom Tooth Removal and Dental Sedation

Many patients feel anxious about wisdom tooth treatment.

Dental sedation may be an option for selected patients who are nervous about dental treatment or require more complex wisdom tooth removal.

Sedation can help create a calmer and more comfortable experience during dental treatment.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation involves using medication to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during dental treatment.

Depending on the type of sedation used, you may remain conscious and able to communicate with the dental team while feeling significantly more relaxed.

The appropriate sedation option depends on:

• Your medical history

• Your level of anxiety

• The complexity of the procedure

• The expected length of treatment

• Your individual health circumstances

Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Under IV Sedation?

In selected cases, wisdom tooth removal may be performed with IV sedation.

IV sedation may be considered for patients who:

• Experience significant dental anxiety

• Have had previous traumatic dental experiences

• Require complex or lengthy dental treatment

• Have difficulty tolerating dental procedures

• Prefer a more relaxed treatment experience

Your suitability for IV sedation must be assessed before treatment.

Patients receiving IV sedation generally require specific fasting instructions and must arrange an appropriate escort home after treatment.

Your dental team will provide detailed instructions before your appointment.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

During the procedure, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.

Sedation may also be used for suitable patients to help reduce anxiety and improve comfort.

After the procedure, some soreness, swelling or bruising may occur.

Your dentist will provide instructions about:

• Pain management

• Eating and drinking

• Oral hygiene

• Activity restrictions

• Follow-up care

Recovery can vary depending on the position of the wisdom tooth and the complexity of the removal.

What Should I Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

After wisdom tooth removal, soft foods may be more comfortable.

Suitable options may include:

• Soft pasta

• Scrambled eggs

• Mashed vegetables

• Yoghurt

• Smooth foods

• Soft fish

Avoid very hard, crunchy or extremely hot foods during the early recovery period, according to your dentist's instructions.

Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Go Away by Itself?

Wisdom tooth pain may temporarily improve, but this does not necessarily mean that the underlying problem has resolved.

For example, inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth may settle temporarily before returning.

If you experience repeated wisdom tooth pain, it is important to have the tooth assessed.

When Is Wisdom Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?

Seek urgent dental care if you experience:

• Severe or rapidly worsening pain

• Significant facial swelling

• Swelling around the throat or neck

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficulty breathing

• Fever or feeling very unwell

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Pus or a bad taste associated with swelling

Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have erupted properly and can be cleaned effectively may not need to be removed.

How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?

Pain, swelling, bad taste, bad breath, difficulty opening your mouth and fever may be signs of infection.

Can I have my wisdom teeth removed under sedation?

Selected patients may be suitable for dental sedation, including IV sedation, depending on their health, anxiety levels and the complexity of the procedure.

Is IV sedation safe for wisdom tooth removal?

IV sedation can be appropriate for suitable patients when properly assessed and administered by appropriately qualified professionals. Your medical history and individual circumstances must be considered before treatment.

How long does wisdom tooth removal take?

The treatment time varies depending on the number of teeth being removed and the position and complexity of the wisdom teeth.

Can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain?

Wisdom tooth problems can cause pain and inflammation around the back of the jaw. However, persistent jaw pain may also have other causes, including TMJ disorders and teeth grinding.

Wisdom Tooth Removal and Dental Sedation in Sydney

Wisdom tooth pain should not be ignored, particularly when it is associated with swelling, infection or difficulty opening your mouth.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. A dental assessment and appropriate imaging can help determine whether your wisdom teeth should be monitored or removed.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we provide personalised assessments for patients experiencing wisdom tooth pain and dental anxiety.

For suitable patients, dental sedation may be available to help create a calmer and more comfortable treatment experience.

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain or are anxious about wisdom tooth removal, contact us to discuss your treatment options.

📞 Call Pain Free Dentist Sydney on 9558 8988.

Serving patients in Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park and Sydney's Inner West.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt? 10 Common Causes of Toothache

Tooth pain can range from a mild sensitivity to severe, throbbing pain that makes it difficult to sleep, eat or concentrate.

If you are wondering, “Why does my tooth hurt?”, there can be several possible causes. Toothache may be caused by tooth decay, an infection, a cracked tooth, gum disease, teeth grinding or even a problem affecting the jaw.

Understanding the possible cause of your tooth pain can help you know when to seek professional dental care.

1. Tooth Decay

One of the most common causes of toothache is tooth decay.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that gradually damage the enamel and deeper layers of the tooth.

Early tooth decay may not cause any symptoms. As the decay progresses, you may experience:

• Sensitivity to cold or hot food and drinks

• Pain when eating sweet foods

• Toothache

• Pain when biting

• A visible hole or dark area in the tooth

If decay reaches the inner part of the tooth, where the dental nerve is located, the pain may become severe and persistent.

Treatment may involve a filling, crown, root canal treatment or extraction, depending on the condition of the tooth.

2. An Infected Tooth or Dental Abscess

A dental infection can cause intense, throbbing tooth pain.

A dental abscess is a collection of infection that can develop around the root of a tooth or within the surrounding gum tissues.

Possible symptoms include:

• Severe toothache

• Throbbing pain

• Swollen gums

• Facial swelling

• A bad taste in the mouth

• Pus around the tooth

• Pain when biting

• Fever or feeling unwell

A dental infection should be assessed promptly.

If you experience facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical attention.

3. A Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A cracked tooth can cause sharp or unpredictable pain.

Some patients experience pain when biting down, while others feel pain when releasing their bite.

A cracked tooth may also cause sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks.

Cracks can sometimes be difficult to see, especially when they extend below the gum line.

Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may include:

• A filling or bonded restoration

• A crown

• Root canal treatment

• Other restorative treatment

• Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved

Early assessment may help determine whether the tooth can be treated and preserved.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can cause a sharp, sudden pain when you consume:

• Cold drinks

• Hot foods

• Sweet foods

• Acidic foods

Sensitivity can occur when the protective enamel of the tooth becomes worn or damaged, exposing the more sensitive inner layers.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth wear

• Gum recession

• Tooth grinding

• Acid erosion

• Aggressive brushing

• Tooth decay

• Cracked teeth

Persistent or worsening sensitivity should be assessed to determine the underlying cause.

5. Gum Disease

Tooth pain is not always caused by the tooth itself.

Gum disease can cause inflammation, swelling and discomfort around the teeth.

Symptoms may include:

• Bleeding gums

• Red or swollen gums

• Gum tenderness

• Bad breath

• Receding gums

• Loose teeth

• Pain when chewing

Advanced gum disease can affect the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.

If your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing, it is important to have your oral health assessed.

6. A Dental Filling or Crown Problem

If you have recently had a filling, crown or other dental treatment, some temporary sensitivity may occur.

However, ongoing or worsening pain may indicate a problem that requires assessment.

Possible causes may include:

• A high filling or crown

• Irritation of the dental nerve

• A crack in the tooth

• Recurrent decay

• Infection

If your tooth remains painful after dental treatment, contact your dentist for advice and assessment.

7. Wisdom Tooth Problems

Wisdom teeth can cause pain when they are impacted, partially erupted or surrounded by inflamed gum tissue.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain at the back of the mouth

• Swollen gums

• Difficulty opening the mouth

• Pain when chewing

• Bad breath

• A bad taste

• Swelling around the jaw

Wisdom tooth pain may come and go, but recurring symptoms should be assessed.

A dental examination and X-ray may help determine the position and condition of the wisdom tooth.

8. Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding and clenching can place significant pressure on the teeth.

Over time, this may cause:

• Tooth sensitivity

• Cracked teeth

• Worn or flattened teeth

• Jaw pain

• Headaches

• Pain when chewing

Some people grind their teeth during sleep without realising it.

If your tooth pain is accompanied by morning headaches, jaw soreness or worn teeth, bruxism may be contributing to your symptoms.

A dental and TMJ assessment may help identify signs of excessive clenching or grinding.

9. Sinus Problems

Sometimes pain that feels like toothache may actually be related to the sinuses.

The roots of some upper teeth are located close to the sinus cavities. Sinus inflammation or congestion may create pressure that feels like pain in the upper teeth.

Sinus-related tooth discomfort may be associated with:

• Nasal congestion

• Facial pressure

• Headaches

• Pain in several upper teeth

• Symptoms that worsen when bending forward

If you are unsure whether your pain is dental or sinus-related, a dental assessment may help determine the possible cause.

10. Jaw and TMJ Problems

Not all pain felt around the teeth is caused by a problem with the teeth themselves.

Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly known as TMJ disorders or TMD, can cause pain that radiates into the:

• Teeth

• Jaw

• Face

• Ear

• Temples

• Head

Other symptoms may include:

• Jaw clicking

• Jaw popping

• Difficulty opening the mouth

• Jaw locking

• Headaches

• Ear pain

• Facial muscle tension

If your toothache occurs together with jaw pain or headaches, the jaw joints and muscles may also need to be assessed.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt at Night?

Tooth pain can sometimes feel worse at night.

This may happen because:

• You are lying down

• Increased blood pressure in the head may increase the sensation of throbbing

• There are fewer distractions

• Tooth grinding may occur during sleep

• An infection or inflammation may be progressing

If tooth pain repeatedly wakes you during the night, it is important to arrange a dental assessment.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite?

Pain when biting may be associated with:

• Tooth decay

• A cracked tooth

• An infection

• A loose filling

• A high dental crown or filling

• Inflammation around the tooth

• Teeth grinding

Pain when biting should not be ignored, particularly if it is persistent or worsening.

Can Toothache Go Away by Itself?

Sometimes tooth pain may temporarily improve, but this does not always mean that the underlying problem has resolved.

For example, pain from an infected tooth may reduce if the nerve inside the tooth becomes severely damaged.

The infection, however, may continue to progress.

If you have persistent, recurring or severe tooth pain, it is best to have the cause assessed by a dentist.

When Is Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Seek urgent dental care if you experience:

• Severe or worsening tooth pain

• Facial swelling

• Swelling around the gums

• Fever

• Pus or a bad taste in the mouth

• A broken or cracked tooth

• A knocked-out permanent tooth

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly increasing swelling, may require immediate medical attention.

How Is the Cause of Tooth Pain Diagnosed?

Your dentist may:

• Discuss your symptoms

• Examine the painful tooth

• Assess the surrounding teeth and gums

• Test the sensitivity of the tooth

• Check your bite

• Assess your jaw and muscles

• Take dental X-rays where clinically indicated

A careful assessment is important because different causes of tooth pain may require completely different treatments.

How Can Tooth Pain Be Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause.

Possible treatments may include:

• Dental fillings

• Root canal treatment

• Crowns

• Treatment for gum disease

• Wisdom tooth treatment

• Dental restorations

• Management of teeth grinding

• TMJ treatment

• Tooth extraction where necessary

The aim is to identify and treat the underlying cause rather than simply masking the pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tooth hurt but there is no cavity?

Tooth pain can be caused by a cracked tooth, gum recession, sensitivity, teeth grinding, an infection or a jaw-related problem. A dental examination may be needed to identify the cause.

Why does my tooth hurt when I drink cold water?

Cold sensitivity can be caused by tooth decay, worn enamel, gum recession, a cracked tooth or an irritated dental nerve.

Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?

Pain when biting may be associated with a cracked tooth, infection, decay, a loose restoration or inflammation around the tooth.

Can stress cause tooth pain?

Stress can contribute to teeth clenching and grinding, which may cause tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches and tooth wear.

How do I know if my tooth is infected?

Severe throbbing pain, swelling, fever, a bad taste or pus may be signs of a dental infection. Prompt dental assessment is recommended.

Should I see a dentist if my toothache goes away?

Yes, particularly if the pain was severe or keeps returning. Pain disappearing does not always mean that the underlying problem has been resolved.

Toothache and Dental Pain in Sydney

If you are experiencing tooth pain, the cause may not always be obvious.

Toothache can be caused by decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum disease, wisdom teeth, teeth grinding or problems affecting the jaw.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we can assess your symptoms and help identify the possible cause of your dental pain.

If you have a toothache that is severe, persistent or getting worse, contact us to arrange a dental assessment.

📞 Call Pain Free Dentist Sydney on 9558 8988.

Serving patients in Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park and Sydney's Inner West.