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| Symptom | Possible Problem | Action |
| Constant pain and pressure, gum swelling, sensitivity to touch. | Abscessed tooth causing gum and bone to become infected. | See our practice for endodontic evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. |
| Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw. | Sinus headache or grinding of teeth can cause these symptoms. | See your dentist for relief of teeth grinding. See our practice for severe or chronic pain. |
| Chronic pain in head, neck or ear. | Pulp damaged teeth may be the cause of pain in the head and neck. | See our practice for an evaluation. If the problem is not related to your tooth, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist. |
| Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment. | Momentary discomfort to hot and cold sensations does not signal a serious problem. This may be caused by a loose filling or gum recession. | Use toothpastes made for sensitive teeth and brush appropriately. |
| Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment. | Dental work may inflame pulp or nerves. | Wait 4 to 6 weeks. If the pain continues, see your general dentist. |
| Sharp pain when biting down on food. | Decay, loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. Possible pulp damage. | See your dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp related, your dentist will refer you to our practice. |
| Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods. | Pulp damaged by deep decay or trauma. | See our practice for endodontic evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. |
© 1993 American Association of Endodontists