The most common toothache symptom is hot and cold sensitivity. This means that the nerve inside the tooth is exposed and gets irritated with any thermal changes. In a normal tooth, the tooth enamel and dentin protect and guard the nerve and prevent any direct contact of fluids. When tooth decay destroys these protective layers covering the dental nerve, problems result. Occasionally, the exposed roots of a tooth become sensitive. Root exposure is caused by tooth grinding or gum disease.

          Another common toothache symptom is sensitivity to sweets. Much like hot and cold sensitivity, there is an exposed nerve and the sugar is getting to it. This is usually from a cracked tooth or lost dental filling. The dental pain may progress to pain on biting which means there's a loose filling or a cracked tooth. When you bite, the tooth spreads apart and snaps back together as soon as you stop.

          A more serious toothache symptom is throbbing pain, especially if the pain lasts longer than a minute and keeps you up at night. There is almost always a dental infection with inflammation around the sick tooth. Unfortunately, a tooth with this problem almost always needs a root canal or dental extraction.

          Gum pain is often less severe than tooth pain, but swollen gums can be an early toothache symptom. This can often be treated with a thorough cleaning and polishing but may need a scaling and root planing. Scaling and root plaining is performed under local anaesthesia and the dental hygienist carefully removes all of the hardened food underneath the gums and smooths the root surfaces. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Call 404-874-7428 if you wish to schedule a free dental consultation with Atlanta Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky.