Tooth pain, or a toothache, refers to discomfort in or around a tooth, often caused by irritation or inflammation of the nerve in its root or surrounding tissues. The sensation can range from a mild, nagging ache to sharp, intense pain that interferes with daily activities and sleep.
While minor toothaches may result from temporary gum irritation and improve with home care, severe tooth pain caused by tooth decay, infection, injury, or tooth loss may require professional dental treatment. If tooth pain is accompanied by swelling, fever, or chills, it is a dental emergency that needs immediate attention.
At Hampden Ave Dental, our dental experts take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing the root cause of your tooth pain. We focus on providing fast, effective relief while designing a personalized treatment plan that supports your long-term oral health and overall well-being.
Tooth pain doesn’t happen randomly. It’s almost always a sign of an underlying issue. Whether it’s a cavity, an infection, or something less obvious, pinpointing the cause helps us treat the problem at its source and prevent it from getting worse.
Tooth decay is one of the most common and preventable causes of tooth pain. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and produces acids that gradually wear down the protective enamel. As the enamel weakens, cavities begin to form.
If left untreated, cavities can grow deeper, exposing the sensitive dentin layer underneath or even reaching the inner pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are. This exposure can cause sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, throbbing pain, or sharp discomfort when chewing.
Inflamed or infected gums can lead to deep pockets around the teeth, exposing roots and bone, which are far more sensitive to temperature changes, pressure, and touch. This can result in persistent aches, discomfort while eating, and pain when brushing or flossing.
A dental abscess is a painful, localized pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually developing near the root of a tooth or within the surrounding gum tissue. This can happen due to untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth.
Symptoms include intense throbbing, swelling, sensitivity to pressure, a bad taste or smell in the mouth, and even fever. Dental abscesses require prompt treatment because the infection can spread quickly if left untreated, potentially leading to more serious health complications.
A cracked tooth often causes sharp or intermittent discomfort when you bite down or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
These cracks may be tiny, sometimes even invisible to the naked eye, but they can still allow bacteria or irritants to reach the inner layers of the tooth, including the sensitive pulp. Depending on the location and depth of the crack, the pain may come and go, making it tricky to diagnose without advanced imaging.
When the gum line recedes due to gum disease or genetic factors, it can expose the tooth’s root surface. Unlike the crown of the tooth, the root is not covered by protective enamel, making it more susceptible to external stimuli. This exposure often leads to heightened sensitivity to temperature changes, sugary foods, or even airflow, causing noticeable discomfort during everyday activities.
Bruxism refers to the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often occurring during sleep. Over time, this repetitive pressure can wear down the enamel and cause microfractures, resulting in tooth sensitivity, jaw discomfort, or pain upon waking.
When your wisdom teeth are trapped under the gums or pressed against neighboring teeth, they can cause pain in the back of the mouth, swelling, jaw stiffness, and even headaches. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of infection, crowding, or damage to surrounding structures.
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth and jawbone can shift, leading to changes in bite alignment and added stress on nearby structures. In some cases, exposed bone or gum tissue where the tooth once was may become irritated or inflamed, especially if not properly healed or protected. Additionally, the absence of a tooth can cause overuse of adjacent teeth, potentially leading to sensitivity, strain, or pain over time.
Tooth pain is often directly linked to dental trauma or injury, even if the damage isn't immediately visible. Accidents such as a fall, sports-related impact, or biting down on something hard can crack, chip, or dislodge a tooth. These types of injuries can expose the inner layers of the tooth, leading to sensitivity, sharp pain, or a constant ache.
Not every toothache requires urgent attention, but persistent, worsening, or severe tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying issue that won’t resolve on its own. Recognizing when to seek care is key to protecting your oral health and finding fast relief.
Other symptoms that may occur with toothache include:
We recommend scheduling an immediate visit with our team if you experience any of the following:
These signs may indicate an infection, abscess, or other serious dental condition that could quickly worsen without proper treatment. We offer same-day emergency appointments and compassionate care focused on relieving your pain quickly while addressing the underlying cause.
Our team focuses on understanding the root cause of tooth pain to provide effective treatment. We begin with a visual and physical exam of your teeth, gums, and bite. Our providers may ask when your pain started, what triggers it, and how it feels—sharp, dull, throbbing, constant, or intermittent.
We may also use digital X-rays and 3D imaging when needed to see what is happening below the surface. These diagnostic tools help us identify possible causes of tooth pain, such as infections, cracks, decay between teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, and bone loss.
Our skilled dentists factor in your medical history, oral health habits, and lifestyle to form a full picture of what might be contributing to your discomfort. Once we have pinpointed the underlying cause, we will walk you through your treatment options.
Depending on what’s causing your pain, we may recommend one or more of the following treatment options.
We provide the most effective treatment tailored to your needs, with every recommendation guided by your comfort and long-term oral health.
Tooth pain can be disruptive, distressing, and a sign of a deeper dental issue that should not be ignored. At Hampden Ave Dental, our team combines advanced diagnostics with a compassionate, patient-centered approach to identify the root cause of your pain and deliver lasting relief.
To schedule a consultation for tooth pain, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.
7373 W Jefferson Ave Suite 305
Lakewood, CO, 80235
