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Tooth Pain vs. Tooth Sensitivity

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Tooth pain may be a sign of a cavity or other dental problem. Or, you may have tooth sensitivity. How do you know which you’re dealing with, and what should you do about your discomfort? Read to learn more.

When your teeth are painful or sensitive, it’s worth paying attention to what your body is telling you about your dental health. Tooth pain can indicate a cavity or tooth decay. Tooth sensitivity is different and often caused by thinning dental enamel and gum issues.

To find the source of your oral discomfort, get in touch with experienced dentist Dr. Prathima Rasamsetty and her team at Preva Dental of San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Rasamsetty offers a full range of general dentistry and restorative dentistry services and can find the source of your tooth pain or tooth sensitivity, as well as recommend strategies to improve your oral comfort and address any dental care needs.

Tooth pain, decay, and cavities

If your tooth pain is related to decay or a cavity, it’s called a toothache. Cavities can irritate the nerves in your dental roots, resulting in toothache. A toothache is a common sign of dental decay and means you should have it examined by a dental professional like Dr. Rasamsetty.

If you have a cavity, a filling should resolve your tooth pain. You might also need a crown to complete your dental restoration. If the inflammation has progressed, a root canal can completely relieve your toothache. 

No matter the issue, the team at Preva Dental has it covered!

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is also common, especially in adults. There are several reasons your teeth could be sensitive.

You might notice that your sensitivity only reacts to certain triggers, like temperature changes, pressure, or sugar. Or, you could have tooth sensitivity that comes and goes.

Often, tooth sensitivity is related to thinning dental enamel that covers and protects your teeth. Thin enamel doesn’t protect the nerves in your teeth, leading to dental sensitivity.

Other sensitivity issues relate to gum health. Receding gums don’t cover as much of your tooth’s surface, leaving your teeth exposed to more stimulation and an increased risk of discomfort and sensitivity.

Treating your oral discomfort

No matter why you have oral discomfort, schedule a checkup at Preva Dental. Treatment options can calm unpleasant sensations and restore your oral and dental health.


If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain or significant dental sensitivity, contact Dr. Rasamsetty and our team at Preva Dental to learn more about what’s going on in your mouth and what can be done to improve your condition. You can schedule your initial consultation appointment by calling today or book now with our easy-to-use online tool.