Pain UNDER my tooth?

Question

When I bite down on something chewy like starburst or I try chewing meat, there is a pain under the tooth (not the tooth itself). When I bite down normally I cannot feel it. Any ideas? I know I have bad teeth, but what could this be? It just started a couple of days ago.

Answer 1

This could be a sign of periapical periodontitis.  That means that you could have an infection around the root of your tooth, which is why it hurts when you push down on it.  This infection came from bacteria inside the tooth and travelled down the root to the outside tissues.  Does it hurt when you tap it?  Is the tooth sensitive to cold?

You should see a dentist as soon as you can.  He will take an x-ray, and look for a "periapical radiolucency," or a dark area around the tip of the root where the infection is.

If the tooth isn't in too bad of a shape then the infection could be treatable in an appointment or two with a (gulp) root canal.  (They aren't always as scary as they sound!)  If the tooth is really bad, you may need a crown.  If you leave it, you could develop an abscess and the tooth may even die (after a few days of excruciating pain caused by the pressure of the infection inside).  

Good luck!

Answer 2

I had a similar situation. But it was only the tooth that hurt. But the root under your tooth, could be infected. I'd see a dentist.