Cause |
Common Features* |
Tests |
Periapical abscess (a collection of pus around the tooth's root that can cause acute or chronic symptoms) |
Pain may have begun recently or be longstanding Constant pain that worsens when chewing or biting Normally, the person can precisely identify the involved tooth Tooth tender when tapped with a metal probe or tongue depressor (percussed) Sometimes visible swelling of the gum over the affected root and painful swelling of the adjacent cheek and/or lip |
A dentist's examination† |
Apical periodontitis (inflammation of tissues around the tooth's root) |
Features similar to those of apical abscess but less severe and without swelling over the affected root |
A dentist's examination† |
Pain that Usually a visible cavity or a root surface exposed by gum recession or an abrasion |
A dentist's examination† |
|
Fracture of a tooth |
Sharp pain when chewing Marked sensitivity to cold |
A dentist's examination† |
Pericoronitis (usually involving an erupting or partially impacted wisdom tooth) |
Constant dull pain, especially when chewing Visible swelling, redness, and sometimes pus around the affected tooth Commonly spasms of the chewing muscles (trismus) may occur and limit opening |
A dentist's examination† |
Pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp) |
Pain that occurs without stimulation and/or that lingers for more than a few seconds after stimulation May have difficulty identifying the affected tooth |
A dentist's examination† |
Pain in several upper teeth on one side, especially molars and premolars Sensitivity when chewing and when the upper teeth are tapped (percussed) Often a nasal discharge and tenderness when the sinus is tapped Pain when changing positions, especially lowering the head (as when bending down to tie shoe laces) |
A doctor's examination, sometimes with CT of the sinuses A dentist’s examination if no sinusitis is detected |
|
Discomfort and fussiness during tooth eruption in young children Commonly drooling and chewing on things (such as the crib rail) |
A doctor's examination |
|
* Features include symptoms and the results of the doctor’s examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. |
||
† Dental x-rays are usually taken. |
||
CT = computed tomography. |