Have you wondered, One tooth hurts when I bite down? You’re not alone. Biting pain usually signals a problem that needs care, from a hidden cavity to a cracked cusp. This section will walk you through the most common causes of this type of pain and how a dentist figures out what’s going on, so you can get comfortable again. Early answers prevent small issues from becoming bigger repairs.
Common Dental Problems That Cause Pain When Biting
Several conditions can trigger sharp or pressure-based pain in a single tooth:
- Cracked tooth: A hairline fracture can flex under pressure and irritate the pulp.
- High bite: A restoration that’s slightly tall overloads one tooth and the ligament.
- Cavity or leaking filling: Decay or marginal gaps expose dentin and nerves.
- Pulp inflammation: Deep decay or trauma can inflame the nerve inside the tooth.
- Gum abscess: Infection from the gum or a deep pocket can mimic tooth pain.
- Tooth abscess: An infected pulp causes pain on biting and sometimes swelling.
- Sinus pressure: Upper molars may feel tender when sinuses are congested.
You might also spot a few clues at home:
- Pain only when chewing hard foods suggests a crack or high spot.
- Sensitivity to cold that lingers points to pulp irritation.
- If you notice a pimple-like spot on your gums, it may indicate an abscess releasing infection.
Pain from a crack often feels sharp when you release your bite rather than when you first close. High spots commonly appear after recent fillings or new crowns, because teeth have shock-absorbing ligaments; even a fraction of a millimetre can overload one tooth. Noting when symptoms started helps your dentist connect the dots.
How Dentists Diagnose Pain in a Single Tooth
Your dentist will combine questions, targeted tests, and imaging to locate the exact source:
- Bite tests using a Tooth Slooth or cotton roll to isolate which cusp triggers pain.
- Percussion and palpation to evaluate the ligament and surrounding bone.
- Cold testing to assess nerve vitality and differentiate reversible from irreversible pulpitis.
- Transillumination and magnification to reveal tiny cracks.
- X-rays or CBCT to check for decay, bone changes, and hidden fractures.
They’ll also review your bite, habits, and medical history. Clenching, recent fillings, or a new crown often explain why one area hurts while the others feel fine.
If you need a local evaluation, a dentist in Portland, OR, can perform these targeted tests and imaging during a focused visit.
Timing matters: sudden pain after new dental work often points to an adjustment need, while gradual sensitivity with cold and sweets suggests decay. Your dentist will also rule out referred pain from neighbouring teeth and evaluate the gums, since periodontal issues can masquerade as tooth trouble during chewing.
Treatment Options for a Tooth That Hurts When You Bite Down
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and aims to calm the ligament, protect the pulp, and remove infection:
- High bite adjustment: Smoothing a raised filling or crown balances the load and provides quick relief.
- Desensitizing or temporary medicated liners: Useful when dentin exposure or mild pulp irritation is present.
- Cracked tooth management: A crown or onlay can splint the tooth; severe cracks may need root canal therapy.
- Cavity repair or replacement of a leaking filling: Restoring a sound seal reduces pressure pain.
- Root canal therapy: If the nerve is inflamed or infected, cleaning and sealing the canals relieves bite pain and saves the tooth.
- Gum therapy: Drainage and debridement resolve periodontal abscesses, causing bite tenderness.
If your case requires specialist care, your general dentist may collaborate with an endodontist for precision treatment.
Many patients ask whether saving the tooth is worthwhile; when infection is present, root canal therapy in Portland, OR, is a predictable way to stop bite pain while preserving your natural tooth.
How to Prevent Tooth Pain From Returning
Once you’re comfortable, prevention keeps things stable:
- Protect your bite: A custom night guard reduces clenching forces that worsen cracks.
- Check how new dental work feels: If a filling or crown seems a bit “high,” let your dentist adjust it.
- Prioritize routine care: Exams and X-rays catch decay or bite issues before pain starts.
- Favour tooth-friendly habits: Limit ice chewing and hard seeds that stress enamel.
- Manage sinus health: Treat seasonal congestion to ease pressure on upper teeth.
If you’re in active pain, avoid repeatedly “testing” the tooth, stick to softer foods, and use a cool compress on the cheek. Over-the-counter pain relief can help in the short term; always follow label directions and consult your dentist if symptoms persist.
Daily habits matter, too. Use fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and sip water to neutralise acids after snacks. Choose a mouthguard for contact sports. These small routines reinforce enamel, calm bite forces, and reduce the chances that a once-sore tooth flares again. Schedule bite checks during cleanings.
Final Thoughts
When one tooth hurts under pressure, the right diagnosis usually leads to a straightforward fix. Prompt evaluation, accurate testing, and the right treatment protect your tooth and comfort. For supportive care and clear answers, book a visit with Pham Dental Care, and your team will guide the next steps and help you chew with confidence again. Our team will help you understand what’s happening and guide the next steps with clarity.