Why Does My Tooth Hurt? 5 Common Causes of Toothache and When to See a Dentist in Torrance
A toothache isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s often a warning sign that something is wrong. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing tooth pain that keeps you up at night, ignoring it can lead to bigger dental problems. Many people search “Why does my tooth hurt?” or “Toothache relief near me” when they’re in pain. The truth is, tooth pain rarely goes away on its own.
At Lomita Torrance Dental, our team of experts provides fast, effective, and gentle treatment for toothaches in Torrance, Lomita, and the South Bay area. Here are the most common causes of tooth pain—and why you should see one of our dentists before it gets worse.
1. Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the top reasons patients visit us with tooth pain. As decay progresses, the enamel weakens and exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to sharp pain when eating sweets or drinking hot and cold beverages.
Expert Tip: Cavities don’t heal on their own. If you’re in Torrance and suspect a cavity, our dental team can fix it quickly with a filling before it develops into a more serious issue like a root canal.
2. Gum Disease (Periodontal Problems)
Sometimes, pain doesn’t come from the tooth itself but from the gums. Swollen, bleeding, or tender gums often indicate gum disease, which can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Why see us: At Lomita Torrance Dental, our periodontist in Torrance provides specialized care to treat gum infections and restore gum health before it gets worse.
3. Dental Abscess (Infection)
If you notice throbbing pain, swelling, or even fever, it could be an abscessed tooth. This is a severe infection that requires urgent attention from an emergency dentist in Torrance.
Don’t wait: An untreated abscess can spread beyond the tooth and become dangerous. Our dental experts offer same-day emergency appointments to relieve pain and stop the infection.
4. Cracked or Damaged Teeth
A cracked tooth can cause pain when chewing or sensitivity to temperature changes. Damage can happen from an injury, teeth grinding, or simply biting down on something hard.
Treatment options: Depending on the severity, we may recommend bonding, a crown, or root canal treatment to save the tooth and prevent further damage.
5. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Many adults experience tooth pain from wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to grow in. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, jaw pain, and pressure on nearby teeth.
Our solution: As specialists in wisdom teeth removal in Torrance, we can safely and comfortably extract problematic wisdom teeth before they cause long-term damage.
Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain — Get Relief Today
Toothaches are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Whether it’s decay, infection, or wisdom teeth, the sooner you get treatment, the easier—and less costly—it will be.
At Lomita Torrance Dental, we proudly serve patients across Torrance, Lomita, Harbor City, and the South Bay with gentle, affordable care. From root canal treatment to emergency dental care, our team is here to relieve your pain and restore your smile.
Call today to schedule your appointment or request same-day toothache treatment in Torrance. Let our experts help you smile pain-free again.
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