There’s nothing like a throbbing tooth to ruin your day (or your sleep). Whether it started as a dull ache or hit you out of nowhere, tooth pain can be downright distracting. If you’ve been searching for answers (or typing “dental pain Concord” into Google at 2 a.m.), this post is for you. 

Throbbing tooth pain isn’t just annoying; it’s often your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. And while it can sometimes go away on its own, more often than not, it’s a sign that it’s time to see your dentist. 

Here’s what that persistent pulsing might be trying to tell you. 

1. Tooth Decay or a Cavity

One of the most common causes of throbbing pain is a cavity that’s gone a little too far. When decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth, especially the nerve, it can cause inflammation and pain that comes and goes or sticks around for hours. 

If your tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods in addition to throbbing, that’s a red flag. Cavities are easiest to treat early, so don’t wait it out too long. 

2. An Abscess or Infection

If the pain feels intense and deep or makes it hard to chew, you could be dealing with an infection or abscess. This happens when bacteria reach the pulp of the tooth and cause a buildup of pus. 

Along with throbbing, you might notice: 

• Swelling in your face or gums 

• A bad taste in your mouth 

• A fever 

• Pain that spreads to your jaw or ear 

This is considered a dental emergency, so don’t delay a visit to a practice that specializes in dental pain in Concord. Abscesses often require immediate treatment, such as antibiotics or a root canal. 

3. Gum Disease

Believe it or not, gum disease can also cause throbbing pain. When the gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup, the tissue can become tender, swollen, and even bleed. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss — and some seriously uncomfortable days in between. 

If your gums look red and puffy or are pulling away from your teeth, it’s worth getting them checked out. 

4. Dental Trauma

Have you ever had a recent accident or sports injury? Maybe even just biting something the wrong way can cause pain. Even minor trauma to the mouth can cause hidden damage to the nerve of a tooth. You might not feel anything right away, but throbbing pain can show up hours, or even days, later as inflammation builds. 

If you suspect any dental injury, especially if the tooth looks darker than usual, call your dentist. A quick check could prevent future complications. 

5. A Cracked or Broken Tooth

A crack in your tooth — be it from chewing on ice, grinding at night, or an old filling giving out — can expose the inner layers of the tooth to air, bacteria, and pressure. Cue the throbbing. 

This kind of pain might get worse when you bite down or eat certain foods, and it won’t go away without professional treatment. 

Looking for Help with Dental Pain in Concord? Look No More! 

Throbbing tooth pain is never something to ignore. Whether it’s a deep cavity, an infection, trauma, or even gum issues, your body is trying to let you know that something’s not quite right. The sooner you get it looked at, the easier (and often less costly) it is to treat. 

Concord Advanced Dentistry is here to help you get out of pain and back to smiling comfortably. Our team takes a gentle, thorough approach to identifying the root cause and providing lasting relief. 

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Book an appointment with us today, and let us take care of your smile.