A tooth that hurts when tapped, known as percussion sensitivity, often signals an underlying issue. This discomfort is a common reason individuals seek dental care. Understanding why tapping on a tooth causes pain helps in recognizing when professional intervention is necessary.
Why Tapping Causes Discomfort
Pain from tapping a tooth is primarily due to inflammation of the periodontal ligament. This soft tissue surrounds the tooth root, anchoring it to the jawbone and containing numerous nerve endings. When the tooth or surrounding tissues are inflamed, even light tapping can irritate these sensitive nerve endings within the periodontal ligament, leading to pain.
Common Dental Issues Revealed by Tapping
Several dental conditions can cause a tooth to become sensitive to tapping. One common cause is deep tooth decay. When decay progresses deeply, it can reach the pulp, leading to inflammation and pain that intensifies with pressure.
Another frequent culprit is cracked tooth syndrome. Small cracks in the tooth cause pain when chewing or when pressure is applied and then released, as fluid movement irritates internal structures. A dental abscess, a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection, also commonly causes tapping pain due to pressure from pus accumulation. The tooth may even feel slightly elevated in its socket.
Recent dental procedures can lead to temporary sensitivity to pressure. Additionally, loose or damaged fillings and other restorations can expose sensitive areas of the tooth, resulting in pain when tapped.
Non-Dental Causes of Tapping Sensitivity
While often dental in origin, tooth pain upon tapping can also stem from non-dental issues.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are a common example, as inflammation and pressure within the maxillary sinuses can be referred to upper back teeth. This causes pain when tapped, even if the tooth is healthy, and typically affects multiple upper teeth rather than just one.
Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, can lead to tooth sensitivity to pressure. The excessive force irritates the pulp and periodontal ligaments, causing discomfort and potentially contributing to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, where jaw issues radiate pain to the teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, an advanced gum disease, also causes sensitivity to pressure. As it progresses, gum recession and bone loss expose sensitive root surfaces, making the tooth tender to pressure.
When to See a Dentist Immediately
Seek prompt dental attention if tooth pain upon tapping is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Severe, throbbing pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medication is a significant warning sign. Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw, especially if it spreads rapidly, indicates a potential infection that requires immediate care.
Other indicators for an urgent dental visit include:
Fever
A foul taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath
Difficulty opening the mouth fully
Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications, as dental infections can spread.
Dental Examination and Treatment Options
During a dental visit for tapping sensitivity, the dentist conducts a thorough examination. This includes visual inspection, gentle tapping (percussion test), and thermal tests. X-rays are also taken to identify internal issues like deep decay or abscesses.
Treatment options vary by diagnosis. Cavities may require a filling or root canal. Cracked teeth might need bonding, a crown, or extraction. Abscesses involve drainage, antibiotics, and often a root canal or extraction. Non-dental causes are treated with antibiotics for sinus infections, night guards for bruxism, or periodontal therapies.