Patient's Guide
Possible problem
If the feeling lasts for only a few minutes, generally, sensitivity to hot or cold foods is not an indicator of a problem. Instead, sensitivity can be caused by a loose filling, small caries, or a minimum receding of the gums, which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What to do
Try to use special kinds of toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Brush upwards and downwards with a soft brush; side-wise brushing wears out exposed root surfaces. If this does not work, you must see your endodontist.
Possible problem
Dental work can inflame the nerve inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.
What to do
Wait for some days and if the pain remains or gets worse, ask your endodontist.
Possible problem
There are various possible causes for this type of pain: caries, a loose filling, or a fissure in the tooth. In addition, there may be some damage to the nerve tissue inside the tooth.
What to do
Ask an Endodontist for an evaluation.
Persistent pain after eating cold or hot foods.
This probably means that the nerve has been damaged because of deep caries.
What to do
Your endodontist will surely try to save your tooth with a canal treatment.
Possible problem
The tooth may have an abscess that causes the surrounding bone's infection.
What to do
Ask your endodontist for an evaluation and treatment to ease the pain and save the tooth.
Possible problem
Sinus headache is frequently felt in the face and the teeth. Grinding your teeth can also cause this type of pain.
What to do
Ask your endodontist for an evaluation.
Possible problem
Sometimes the teeth with a damaged nerve cause pain in other parts of the body, such as the head, the inner ear, and the neck, but they can also be caused by other dental or medical problems.
What to do
Ask your dentist for an evaluation. They probably refer you to the endodontist for a more thorough examination. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your endodontist will refer you to the proper dental specialist or a doctor.