When a tooth hurts, many people immediately assume there must be a cavity. But tooth pain does not always mean tooth decay.
Pain may also occur because of an irritated or inflamed dental pulp, a cracked tooth, gum disease, exposed tooth structure, excessive biting pressure, or changes around a previously treated tooth. In some situations, pain felt in a particular tooth may even be referred from another area.
The pattern of pain can provide useful clues. Pain from cold or hot foods, discomfort while biting, spontaneous throbbing, or sensitivity that lingers after the trigger is removed may point toward different causes.
This is why looking for a visible cavity alone is not always enough. The tooth, surrounding tissues, bite and, when required, dental imaging may need to be assessed together.
So, if your tooth hurts but you cannot see a cavity, do not assume that nothing is wrong.
The absence of a visible hole does not necessarily mean the absence of a dental problem.
Content Written & Clinically Reviewed by
Dr. Ashutosh Dighe
BDS | MDS – Oral Medicine & Maxillofacial Radiology | PhD Scholar | Fellowship in Contemporary Endodontics | Certified Endodontist
OralNest DENTAL CLINIC
A SAFE NEST FOR EVERY SMILE
Pain may also occur because of an irritated or inflamed dental pulp, a cracked tooth, gum disease, exposed tooth structure, excessive biting pressure, or changes around a previously treated tooth. In some situations, pain felt in a particular tooth may even be referred from another area.
The pattern of pain can provide useful clues. Pain from cold or hot foods, discomfort while biting, spontaneous throbbing, or sensitivity that lingers after the trigger is removed may point toward different causes.
This is why looking for a visible cavity alone is not always enough. The tooth, surrounding tissues, bite and, when required, dental imaging may need to be assessed together.
So, if your tooth hurts but you cannot see a cavity, do not assume that nothing is wrong.
The absence of a visible hole does not necessarily mean the absence of a dental problem.
Content Written & Clinically Reviewed by
Dr. Ashutosh Dighe
BDS | MDS – Oral Medicine & Maxillofacial Radiology | PhD Scholar | Fellowship in Contemporary Endodontics | Certified Endodontist
OralNest DENTAL CLINIC
A SAFE NEST FOR EVERY SMILE
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