My Tooth Hurts — Should I See a Dentist? | Merchant's Walk Dental East Cobb

Tooth pain does not resolve on its own. Whether it is a dull ache, sharp pain when biting, or sensitivity to temperature, something is causing it — and that cause will typically worsen without treatment. The sooner it is addressed, the more treatment options you have.

These symptoms can indicate a dental abscess or spreading infection — conditions that require prompt treatment. Call us at (770) 691-5051 or visit our emergency dental services page.

• Tooth decay (cavity) — often causes a dull ache or sharp pain when biting
• Cracked or fractured tooth — pain that comes and goes, often when chewing
• Exposed tooth root from gum recession — sensitivity to cold or touch
• Dental abscess or infection — throbbing pain, often with swelling
• Damaged or lost filling — sensitivity and discomfort in the affected area
• Gum disease — dull aching, bleeding, or tenderness around the gumline
• Impacted wisdom tooth — pain at the back of the jaw

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Cavity — a dental filling stops the decay and relieves the pain
• Cracked tooth — a crown protects the tooth from further damage
• Infection — a root canal removes the infected tissue and saves the tooth
• Gum disease — a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) addresses the source
• Tooth that cannot be saved — extraction, followed by a replacement option

Merchant's Walk Dental provides care for patients throughout East Cobb, Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Woodstock, and Alpharetta. Call (770) 691-5051 or schedule online — same-day appointments are often available for patients in pain.