We often see patients who hope a toothache will just disappear on its own. In some cases, it might – especially if the pain is related to temporary gum irritation or minor sensitivity. But more often, it’s a warning sign that something isn’t quite right, and ignoring it could make matters worse. Understanding the type of pain you’re dealing with is key. Whether it's linked to eating, an old root canal, or a case where everything looks fine but still hurts, there are several possibilities to consider – and knowing when to book an appointment can prevent more serious issues down the line.

Common Causes of Toothache and How Long It Lasts

Toothache can result from a range of underlying problems, each with its own timeline and severity. For instance, sensitivity caused by mild gum recession or enamel wear might last only a few seconds after consuming something hot or cold. This is typically manageable with desensitising toothpaste. However, if the pain persists for days or worsens, it may point to something more serious such as tooth decay, an abscess, or a cracked tooth.

Decay-related pain can begin mildly and gradually intensify over weeks, especially if bacteria reach the inner pulp of the tooth. In these cases, pain won’t usually resolve on its own and requires intervention.

An infection, such as an abscess, is often more urgent – the pain is intense, throbbing, and may be accompanied by swelling or fever. This type of pain can persist until properly drained and treated, typically with root canal therapy or extraction.

If you experience a sudden, sharp jolt of pain, especially when biting, it could be a cracked tooth, which can lead to recurring pain until restored.

Toothache When Eating – Causes and Solutions

Tooth pain that flares up specifically when eating is a frequent complaint. In our experience, this usually points to either decay, a damaged filling, or cracks in the enamel. Pressure from chewing can aggravate these weak spots, causing sharp or shooting pain. Food particles may also lodge themselves into cavities or between the gum and tooth, triggering discomfort.

In some cases, tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods could be the result of gum recession exposing the dentine, or enamel erosion from acidic foods and drinks. For minor cases, we often suggest dietary changes and specific toothpastes designed for sensitivity. For more serious cases like decay or structural damage, we’ll typically recommend fillings, crowns, or possibly a root canal depending on how deep the issue runs.

If the pain is linked to an existing dental restoration – such as a filling that’s come loose or a crown that doesn’t fit well – you might feel discomfort every time you chew. These issues are usually straightforward to address once identified during a routine examination.

Why Is My Root Canal Tooth Hurting After Years?

A root canal is designed to remove the nerve of the tooth and seal off infection, so when pain returns years later, it understandably raises concerns. We've seen this occur in a few specific scenarios. Most commonly, a previously treated tooth may develop a new infection if the seal inside the root canals breaks down over time, allowing bacteria to re-enter.

It’s also possible that a canal was missed during the original procedure – some teeth have complex root systems that can be difficult to fully clean and fill without high-quality imaging. In such cases, retreatment or further investigation may be needed. Cracks in the tooth structure, especially beneath crowns or fillings, can also cause discomfort years after root canal therapy.

The pain could also be unrelated to the actual nerve of the tooth but caused by inflammation in the surrounding tissues or from grinding (bruxism), which places excessive pressure on old restorations. If your root canal-treated tooth starts to ache again, it’s definitely worth a dental visit – preferably with imaging like X-rays to assess the situation.

Toothache but Dentist Says Nothing Wrong – What’s Happening?

It can be incredibly frustrating to be in pain and then be told that nothing is wrong. We sometimes meet patients who’ve had this experience, and there are a few explanations worth exploring. One possibility is referred pain – where pain is felt in one area of the mouth but originates elsewhere. For instance, sinus pressure can mimic upper molar pain, or a nearby tooth could be the actual culprit.

In other cases, the cause may be muscular or joint-related. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, for example, can result in jaw pain that radiates to the teeth. Grinding or clenching can also cause pain that feels like toothache but actually stems from pressure on the teeth and surrounding ligaments. This type of discomfort might not show up on X-rays or during routine examinations.

Occasionally, nerve-related conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia can cause shooting or burning facial pain that mimics a dental problem. In these cases, we often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to get to the root of the issue. It’s important to trust your own experience – if you feel something isn’t right, seeking a second opinion or requesting further tests is entirely reasonable.

When Should You See a Dentist About Toothache?

Any toothache lasting more than 48 hours should prompt a visit, especially if the pain is worsening or interfering with your ability to eat, sleep, or concentrate. Sharp pain when biting, sensitivity that lingers for over 30 seconds after eating hot or cold foods, or swelling around the face or jaw all warrant a proper dental assessment. If there’s a fever or foul taste in your mouth, that could indicate infection, which needs immediate attention.

We encourage patients not to rely too heavily on painkillers to mask the issue without addressing the cause. Waiting too long can lead to more complex – and costly – treatments. At our Basingstoke clinic, we’re equipped to provide emergency dental care as well as long-term solutions for ongoing toothache. Our approach is always to listen closely to your symptoms, examine thoroughly, and explain every option clearly.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Signs

Toothache is your body’s way of signalling that something might be wrong. While some minor pain might resolve quickly, anything that persists or worsens should be assessed professionally. Whether it’s caused by sensitivity, decay, an old root canal, or something seemingly invisible, it’s always worth investigating properly.

At our practice in Basingstoke, we combine many years of experience with a warm, patient-centred approach that aims to put even the most nervous patients at ease. If you’re experiencing unexplained toothache or pain after treatment, don’t wait – book a consultation and let us help you find the answers.