General symptoms like:

 

• Cold sensitivity only - Caused by tooth decay, exposed dentin due to grinding, brushing trauma, fractures, irritated periodontal ligaments due to grinding and clenching and normal sensitivity after having a filling. (see tooth anatomy)

 

 

• Hot and cold sensitivity – Also tooth decay, exposed dentin in any form, grinding and sensitivity and after having a filling. Hot sensitivity indicates a progressed stage of pulp inflammation. As long as the cause is removed these symptoms should subside within a few days to a couple of weeks.

 

 

• Hot sensitivity only – This is more serious and is usually accompanied by spontaneous pain (pain without putting a stimulus like something hot or cold on the tooth).Caused by an irreversible pulp inflammation usually due to the formation of an abscess.

 

 

• Sharp shooting pain – Most of the times due to a traumatic bite. A traumatic bite occurs after a filling is placed that does not fit the bite 100% (meaning it is high) or when continues grinding causes your teeth to become uneven in length.

 

 

• The ‘grey’ area of pain. Some pain is difficult to diagnose. Anatomical areas like the sinuses can cause a diffuse pain which cannot be located. Occurs mostly in the upper jaw. A higher prevalence in winter or in change of seasons and heavy polluted areas.