What is the direct answer?
Tooth pain can come from exposed dentin, decay, a crack, inflamed pulp, gum disease, or pressure near an erupting tooth.
What does this question mean?
The response to cold, heat, biting, tapping, and rest helps the dentist locate the involved tissue.
What can you do next?
Keep the area clean, avoid caustic home remedies, and use medicine only as directed for your medical situation.
When should you seek dental care?
Prompt care is needed for spontaneous pain, swelling, fever, pain on biting, or a bad taste; breathing or swallowing trouble is an emergency.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which tissue is causing the pain, whether the pulp can recover, and which treatment preserves the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photograph?
A photograph can show location and appearance, but examination and sometimes testing may be needed to identify the cause.
What should I tell the dentist?
Describe onset, triggers, progression, previous treatment, medicines, and any pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever.

