Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

Does a sharp pain shoot through your tooth every time you chew, only to fade away once you stop? If you experience this specific pattern of tooth pain when biting down, you may have a cracked tooth. Unlike a cavity, a crack tends to hurt only under pressure, since biting forces the fracture to flex and irritate the nerve inside. 

At Austin Center for Endodontics, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth in Austin, so you can get relief and keep your natural tooth. Call today to schedule an appointment and find out what's causing your discomfort. 

Why do teeth crack? 

Teeth endure a lot of pressure over the years, and cracks typically develop from a combination of everyday habits and wear that eventually calls for some form of dental restoration. Common causes of a cracked tooth include biting down on hard foods like ice or hard candy, clenching or grinding your teeth at night, large fillings that leave less natural structure behind, and injuries from sports or accidents. 

Age also plays a role, since teeth naturally become more brittle over decades of chewing. Once a crack forms, it doesn't heal on its own, and the pressure from continued biting may cause it to spread deeper into the tooth over time. 

Signs you may have a cracked tooth 

Along with tooth pain when biting down, a cracked tooth often comes with a few other telltale signs:  

• Sensitivity to hot and cold: Temperature changes may trigger sharp, brief discomfort as they react to the exposed inner layers of the tooth. 
• Pain that comes and goes: This includes discomfort that occurs when chewing and disappears afterward. 
• Difficulty pinpointing the source: Many patients struggle to identify exactly which tooth hurts, since the pain can feel diffuse. 
• Swelling near the gumline: If bacteria have entered the crack, the surrounding tissue may become tender or inflamed. 

What are your treatment options? 

Treatment for a cracked tooth is based on the severity of the crack. For minor cracks that haven't reached the pulp, a dental filling can sometimes stabilize the tooth. However, a dental restoration like a crown is often the more durable choice, since it covers and supports the entire tooth instead of just one surface. 

If the crack has reached the nerve, a root canal at our Austin office is usually necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth, followed by a crown to protect the area. In more severe cases, when the crack extends below the gums or splits the root, extraction may be the only option. Rest assured that whenever possible, our team will always try to save the natural tooth. 

Find relief from tooth pain in Austin today 

If you have tooth pain when biting down, the cause may be a cracked tooth, and catching it early can give you the best chance at a simple fix. Whether your treatment involves a dental filling, a full dental restoration, or a root canal, our team at Austin Center for Endodontics can determine the right path for your tooth. Even a straightforward dental filling now can prevent the need for a root canal later on, so don't wait to get checked. Call today to schedule an appointment in Austin, TX, and put an end to the discomfort.