Phone: 715-723-7175
David D. Crane, DDS, S.C.

Dental Pain


Toothaches can come from a variety of causes. Following are some common problems:

1. Decay - these teeth will usually have a noticeable hole in them and hurt when eating sweets. Treated with a restoration.

2. Swelling around a tooth or on the face - If the area is hot and throbbing it is usually an infection of some kind. These problems should be treated soon with extractions, root canal treatments, or periodontal care. Antibiotics and pain medications are only temporary relief. Warm saltwater rinses can sometimes help drainage inside the mouth. Do not put hot compresses on the outside of the face.

3. Cracked teeth - many people have cracks in their teeth and have no symptoms for a lifetime. If a tooth gives a sharp pain for a few seconds when biting and has been a problem for several or more weeks it could be a cracked tooth. These teeth often will be sensitive to cold. Treatment is the placement of a crown.
Click here to learn more about "Cracked Tooth Syndrome"

4. Most of the back teeth hurt - this can come from clenching or grinding of the teeth. If you are not aware of doing this it may be occurring at night. Treatment is the wearing of a plastic night guard to hold the teeth apart. If there is general pain on one or both sides of the upper teeth it may be related to a current sinus problem.

5. Spontaneous toothache and being woken up at night - these types of toothaches normally come from the pulp of the tooth dying. Hot or cold can make it worse. Treatment is extraction or root canal treatment.