What Is My Severe Tooth Pain Caused By? What Do I Do?

At Dent Aid Dentistry, our goal is to help you understand what may be causing your pain and how to get fast, effective relief. Dr. Zeki Abdulaali uses advanced diagnostic tools and a gentle approach to help patients get to the root of the problem and protect their long-term oral health. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward proper treatment.
 

Tooth Decay or Cavities

Deep cavities allow bacteria to reach the inner layers of your tooth. Once decay breaks through the enamel and dentin, the sensitive nerve tissue becomes irritated, leading to severe pain - especially when eating or drinking.
 

Dental Abscess or Infection

An abscess occurs when bacteria enter the pulp chamber and create a pocket of infection. Signs may include:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain

• Swelling in the gums or face

• A bad taste in the mouth

• Fever or malaise

This condition requires prompt care to prevent the infection from spreading.
 

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

You may not always realize when a tooth cracks. Even a small fracture can expose the nerve and cause intense sensitivity or sharp pain when biting down.
 

Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and inflamed tissues - all of which can cause discomfort. If bacteria reach below the gumline, infection can also occur.
 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If your wisdom teeth are stuck beneath the gums, they can put pressure on surrounding teeth, cause inflammation, or create infection - all leading to strong pain.
 

What Should You Do If You Have Severe Tooth Pain?

• Call Your Dentist Right Away: Severe pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong. Dr. Zeki offers timely appointments to diagnose the cause quickly and recommend the right treatment.

• Keep the Area Clean: Brush gently around the painful tooth and rinse regularly. If swelling occurs, you can use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.

• Seek Emergency Dental Care If Symptoms Worsen: If you experience swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or severe throbbing, you may have an infection that requires immediate attention.
 

How Dent Aid Dentistry Helps You Find Relief

At Dent Aid Dentistry, we provide:

• Comprehensive dental exams and X-rays

• Emergency same-day appointments

• Advanced treatments for decay, infection, fractures, and gum disease

• Gentle care tailored to anxious patients

• Personalized recommendations to prevent future pain

Our dentist in San Diego ensures every patient receives a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan focused on comfort, function, and long-term oral health.
 

Get Relief From Tooth Pain

Whether the cause is decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or another concern, early treatment prevents complications and gets you back to feeling your best. If you're experiencing discomfort that affects your daily life, professional care is the safest and fastest way to find relief.

If you're struggling with severe tooth pain, contact Dent Aid Dentistry and get the expert care you need. Visit our office in San Diego, California, or call (858) 215-1041 to book an appointment today.