What is hot and cold pain/sensitivity?
Pain or sensitivity to hot and cold foods often signifies that you have damaged, decayed, or infected teeth. The pain may feel sharp, shooting, or throbbing. While hot and cold pain/sensitivity can come and go, it typically worsens over time.
Without treatment, tooth pain and sensitivity can limit your diet. You may struggle to drink cold beverages or eat hot meals. The earlier you seek treatment for tooth pain and sensitivity, the more likely you will enjoy your favorite foods and drinks again.
Why do I experience hot and cold pain/sensitivity?
Many dental conditions and injuries can cause hot and cold pain/sensitivity, such as:
Cavity
Cavities, or tooth decay, occur when plaque — a sticky type of bacteria — builds up on your teeth. As plaque erodes your protective tooth enamel, it increases pain and sensitivity to changing temperatures.
Fractured tooth
A fracture in your tooth is a crack or break. While a small chip may not cause tooth sensitivity, a deep fracture near your gum line can.
Enamel wear
Enamel erosion from bruxism (teeth grinding) or poor oral hygiene can increase sensitivity and cause tooth pain.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that causes inflammation. It causes your gums to recede, which exposes your roots and increases sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Abscess
An abscessed tooth causes a pus-filled sac to form at your tooth root. This is a serious complication that can cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity.
What are the treatments for hot and cold pain/sensitivity?
A thorough dental exam is essential to diagnose the cause of hot and cold pain/sensitivity. During this exam, the doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC may perform:
A tooth tap test
During a tooth tap test, they will use a small instrument to gently tap each tooth. Pain or sensitivity can indicate a cavity, infection, or even periodontal disease.
A thermal test
Applying a small piece of ice to each tooth can help them determine which tooth is sensitive to temperature changes.
X-rays
After performing a tooth tap and thermal test, the doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC may use digital X-rays to view the internal structures of your teeth.
Depending on the cause of your hot and cold pain/sensitivity, they may recommend a root canal to remove damaged or disease pulp from the center of your tooth. Dental crowns and tooth-shaped caps may also help protect your teeth from sensitivity and pain.
Call the Midtown West office of Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about hot and cold pain/sensitivity.
