What is the direct answer?
Inflammation under a tooth often affects the pulp or tissues around the root and can signal decay, trauma, a crack, or a dental abscess.
What does this question mean?
Deep decay or a crack can let bacteria irritate the pulp and spread through the root canal into surrounding bone. Gum disease and trapped food can look similar.
What can you do next?
Do not squeeze swelling. A dentist may test pulp response, biting tenderness, gums, and imaging before choosing root treatment, drainage, gum care, or extraction.
When should you seek dental care?
Get urgent care for spreading swelling, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask where the inflammation is, whether the tooth is restorable, and whether drainage, imaging, or root treatment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can it disappear by itself?
Symptoms may fluctuate, but the underlying problem can remain and needs examination.
Why does biting hurt?
Inflamed tissues around the root can become sensitive to chewing pressure.

