Tooth pain that comes and goes: when to see an endodontist
Tooth pain can be more than just an annoyance. It disrupts your daily life, making it difficult to enjoy meals, focus at work or even get a good night’s sleep. But what does it mean when tooth pain comes and goes? Should you wait it out, or is it time to consult an expert? This blog post will cover the different causes of intermittent tooth pain, when to call our team at West Fort Worth Endodontics, what to expect during an exam, treatment options like root canal therapy and tips for maintaining a healthy smile.
Understanding tooth pain
Tooth pain isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. The discomfort you feel can vary in intensity, duration and underlying causes. Here's a look at why tooth pain happens and why it may come and go.
What causes tooth pain?
Tooth pain occurs when inflammation or damage affects the nerves inside your tooth’s pulp. This could be due to:
Cavities: Untreated tooth decay exposing your tooth’s sensitive inner layers.
Gum disease: Inflamed gums increasing sensitivity around the roots.
Cracked or fractured teeth: A crack that irritates the pulp.
Tooth grinding (bruxism): Excess pressure from grinding leading to nerve irritation.
Pulp infections: Bacterial infection causing the pulp to become inflamed or die (This is what we focus on treating at WFW Endodontics).
Why does the pain come and go?
Intermittent pain often signals an underlying issue that has yet to worsen completely. For example:
Temperature sensitivity can cause sudden, short bursts of pain when you eat something cold.
A cracked tooth may only hurt when you chew or bite down a certain way.
Early-stage pulp infections might not produce constant pain but flare during sinus pressure changes or eating.
The variability of tooth pain can make it tempting to dismiss as a minor inconvenience, but it’s crucial to take it seriously before it escalates.
When to see an endodontist
While general dentists can handle many dental issues, an endodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the tooth pulp. But how do you know when to seek endodontics care?
Symptoms that need immediate attention
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s worth getting a consulation from a board-certified endodontist like Dr. Francisco Nieves or Dr. Alex Fitzhugh here at WFW Endodontics:
Persistent pain lasting more than a couple of days, even if it subsides briefly.
Swelling in your gums or face, which could indicate an abscess.
Severe sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers for minutes.
Pain when chewing or biting down.
Discoloration of a tooth, often signaling pulp damage.
A pimple-like bump on your gums, which may indicate an infection draining through the tissue.
These signs often point to problems that require specialized treatment, such as root canal therapy.
Diagnostic procedures
Visiting an endodontist for the first time shouldn’t be stressful. Here's what you can typically expect during your appointment.
Initial consultation
Your endodontist will begin by reviewing your symptoms and dental history. They’ll ask questions to understand the type, duration and triggers of your tooth pain.
Testing for precise diagnosis
Advanced tools are used to pinpoint the problem, such as:
X-rays to view any hidden damage, infections, or abscesses.
Percussion tests to determine if tapping a tooth causes discomfort.
Thermal or electrical stimulation tests to assess nerve response.
These diagnostics help identify whether your issue stems from inflamed pulp, a cracked tooth, or something else entirely.
Treatment options
Based on the findings from your exam, your endodontist will create a tailored treatment plan to alleviate your pain and preserve your tooth.
Root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is one of the most common treatments offered by endodontists. If your tooth’s pulp is infected or inflamed, the procedure involves:
Removing the damaged pulp.
Cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior.
Filling the space with a biocompatible material.
Sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection.
Modern advancements, including gentle techniques and technology, make root canal therapy quicker and more comfortable than most people imagine.
Other solutions
Depending on your diagnosis, other treatments might include:
Pulp capping if the nerve exposure is minimal and the pulp can be preserved.
Cracked tooth repair using bonding or crowns to stabilize the structure.
Abscess drainage to relieve immediate pain and infection until further treatment.
Your endodontist will walk you through all available options to ensure your tooth and oral health are fully restored.
Prevention tips for a pain-free smile
While treatment is essential for addressing tooth pain, prevention is equally important. To avoid future issues, follow these essential dental care tips:
Brush twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel.
Floss daily to remove debris and prevent gum disease.
Avoid grinding your teeth by using a custom night guard if necessary.
Stick to regular dental visits for cleanings and early detection of problems.
Limit sugary and acidic foods, which can erode enamel.
Drink plenty of water to rinse away bacteria and strengthen enamel with fluoride.
Good oral hygiene reduces your risk of cavities, pulp infections and cracked teeth, ensuring uninterrupted dental health.
Preserve your smile with expert care at WFW Endodontics
Tooth pain that comes and goes is often a warning sign of something more serious. Don’t wait until the discomfort becomes unbearable. An endodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating critical dental conditions, ensuring your tooth is both saved and pain-free.
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we’re committed to providing expert care with a friendly touch. Whether you need root canal therapy or advice on maintaining essential dental hygiene, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your path to a healthy, pain-free smile.