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Question:
Traveling Tooth Pain / Sensitivity: For the last three weeks, I have experienced pain from the all of my teeth on the upper left side.
The pain is worst in the second and third teeth from the back, but it seems to spread out from there to all the surrounding teeth.
The pain is triggered mostly from sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks, but sometimes the pain comes on by itself with no food to stimulate it.
I went to my dentist, who took a panoramic x-ray and didn't see any problems with the teeth or gums. He gave me a nightguard, saying the pain could be due to teeth grinding but it hasn't helped.
I get headaches and pain behind my eyes regularly. Pushing on the painful areas temporarily relieves the pain. ...Visitor from CA
Answer:
When we experience pain on the upper left side there is a series of diagnostic steps that are necessary to determine if the pain is coming from an individual tooth, from a sinus infection or from the TMJ.
The dentist needs to do the necessary examination in the office to know which tooth (if any) is causing the problem. Because the pain is triggered by temperature, it is very possible that one tooth may be
the cause. One tooth can cause the pain to spread out and feel like it is the entire side of your face.
There are a number of diagnostic tests that a dentist can perform to find the offending tooth. Sometimes
the panorex cannot see the detail necessary and may miss the problem. We have found that a periapical
film from two different angles is helpful along with clinical temperature testing.
If the sinus is infected the entire side aches and there may be hot and cold sensitivity in more
generalized terms. All of the teeth can be perscussion sensitive on the left side from the first
biscuspid back to the molars.
If the TMJ is involved, bruxism can cause teeth to be very sensitive and painful from the trauma of
grinding. They can be temperature sensitive and very painful. The dentist needs to be able to rule out
tooth trauma and by prescribing a occlusal splint, nightguard or bite guard.
The key is to have a dentist with the diagnostic skills to be able to do a differential diagnosis of
your problem and isolate the offending area.
Sam Muslin, DDS MAGD
Santa Monica Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
1908 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-6796
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