A toothache can range from a mild, dull ache to sharp, intense pain. It may flare when you chew or when you have something hot or cold. Most toothaches come from a dental problem — a cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed root or gum disease.
Sometimes the cause isn't a tooth at all. Problems with the jaw joint (TMJ) or spasms of the chewing muscles can feel exactly like a toothache.
Getting to the source
Endodontists specialize in diagnosing tooth pain. A thorough examination, precise tooth testing and appropriate digital X-rays — with 3D imaging when it helps — tell us whether the pain is truly coming from a tooth, and which one. Our philosophy is always to treat as conservatively as possible.