Tooth Pain vs. Head, Neck and Facial Pain

Tooth pain may be caused by several different reasons such as injuries or cavities. Depending on several different factors, the type of pain may indicate that the root canal has been infected and will require root canal therapy. While there are many reasons for root canal therapy, the most basic are inflammation of the nerve versus a dead nerve. The latter can produce a dental infection.

These symptoms may indicate that you have root canal pain:

• Pain that does not go away after using over-the-counter medications.
• Intense tooth pain when eating or when you touch the area.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that causes pain that does not stop even after the stimuli has been removed.
• A swelling on the gums of the teeth near the pain area sometimes causing an abscess. If you taste or smell a foul-smelling fluid in your mouth, the abscess may have burst. Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water immediately.
• The tooth changing color and becoming darker.

What should you do if you suspect root canal pain?

We specialize in diagnosing tooth pain and its origin. We can determine if your pain is from a tooth source or a non-dental source. Extensive testing is performed to determine the source of the patients pain whether it be tooth pain, facial pain versus head and neck pain.

Contact Houston Endodontic Specialists for an appointment. Sometimes the pain shows up after the tooth has been infected for a long time rather than at the beginning of the infection.It is important to get treated as soon as possible. Only a detailed examination by your dentist can identify the exact cause of the pain and the nature of infection. After your examination, we will advise on the best possible treatment for you.