Why Does My Tooth Hurt?

Tooth pain can range from mild sensitivity to sharp, throbbing discomfort that makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus. While some causes are minor, others may indicate infection or damage inside the tooth that requires treatment.

At East Coast Endodontics, we help patients throughout the Richmond area identify the cause of their tooth pain and provide the right treatment to relieve it quickly and effectively.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is often a sign that something deeper is going on. Common causes include:

• Tooth infection or abscess
• Deep decay
• Cracked or fractured tooth
• Inflammation of the pulp
• Trauma or injury

The type of pain you are experiencing can often provide clues about the cause.

What Different Types of Tooth Pain Mean

Different types of pain can point to different issues:

• Pain when biting or chewing may be a sign of a cracked tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold may indicate nerve involvement
• Throbbing or severe pain may be a sign of infection
• Swelling or pressure may indicate an abscess

Understanding these patterns can help determine the next step.

Explore Common Types of Tooth Pain

Tooth Pain When Biting
Pain when biting or chewing may indicate a cracked tooth or inflammation inside the tooth.

Tooth Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Sharp or lingering sensitivity to temperature may be a sign of nerve irritation or early infection.

Throbbing Tooth Pain
Throbbing or persistent pain may indicate infection or pressure inside the tooth.

Tooth Pain That Comes and Goes
Intermittent pain can be an early sign of developing issues that should be evaluated.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Not all tooth pain requires a root canal. However, if the inner portion of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected, treatment is often needed to relieve pain and save the tooth.

Common signs that a root canal may be needed include:

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Lingering sensitivity
• Pain when biting
• Swelling or tenderness

Learn more about treatment

When Tooth Pain Is an Emergency

Some symptoms require prompt care. You should seek treatment quickly if you experience:

• Severe or sudden tooth pain
• Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
• Signs of infection, such as drainage or bad taste
• Pain that interferes with eating or sleeping

Our team offers timely care for patients experiencing urgent symptoms throughout the Richmond area.

Get help quickly: Learn More

How Tooth Pain Is Treated

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

• Root canal therapy may be needed to remove the infection
• A crown may be recommended to protect a damaged tooth
• Early treatment can often prevent more serious complications

Our goal is always to relieve pain and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

Comfort During Treatment

Many patients are concerned about discomfort. Modern endodontic care is designed to be efficient and comfortable, and sedation options are available to help you feel at ease during your visit.

Learn more

Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain

Tooth pain rarely resolves on its own when infection is involved. Early evaluation can prevent more serious complications and improve outcomes.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, our team is here to help you find answers and relief.

Schedule an Evaluation

If you are dealing with tooth pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. We provide efficient, comfortable care focused on relieving pain and treating the source of the problem. With convenient locations in Mechanicsville, Short Pump, and Midlothian, care is always close by when you need it.

Same-week and emergency appointments are often available.

Frequently Asked Questions