Pain is one of the most common driving forces in getting patients to the dentist. However, there are several things that can cause dental pain and not all of them should cause concern. If you have spontaneous pain, swelling of the gum tissue or face, redness, fever, or acute pain on a tooth that hasn’t hurt before, then you should contact your dentist immediately. If you recently had dental work performed and there is mild muscle soreness or slight sensitivity in the tooth, this is very typical and usually goes away within a few days. If you have a history of fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, or sinus problems, there may be another cause of discomfort other than the teeth. Patients that have recession can experience sensitivity to hot and cold as well as patients with bite (occlusion) problems. Consequently, there are several reasons for tooth pain. It is generally a good idea to call your dentist and inform them of your symptoms as small problems are typically easier to manage, take less time, and are more comfortable for the patient. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com