Pain and sensitivity can signal decay, worn enamel or infection — we find the cause and provide lasting relief.
A nagging toothache or a sharp twinge with every cold sip is your mouth telling you something needs attention. At Farzad Dental in Encino, Dr. Philip Farzad finds the real source of your pain and treats it promptly — often saving the tooth and always easing the discomfort.
Tooth pain and sensitivity have many possible causes, and pinpointing the right one is what makes treatment effective. The most common culprit is tooth decay: a cavity that has worked through the protective enamel and reached the sensitive layers beneath. Gum disease and gum recession are frequent causes too, exposing the tender roots of your teeth. Worn enamel from grinding or from acidic foods and drinks leaves teeth reacting to hot, cold and sweet. And sometimes the source is a cracked tooth or a deeper infection or abscess, which needs prompt care.
It helps to know that pain and sensitivity can be temporary or a sign of something more serious. A brief twinge from cold might simply mean thinning enamel, while a lingering, throbbing ache — especially with swelling — often points to decay reaching the nerve or an infection that won't resolve on its own. Because there's no reliable way to tell the difference at home, and because dental problems only worsen with time, it's always best to have persistent pain evaluated. Early treatment prevents further damage and gives us the best chance to preserve your natural tooth.
Treatment is matched to the cause. When decay is behind the pain, a simple filling removes it and seals the tooth. If the damage or infection has reached the nerve, root canal therapy relieves the pain and saves a tooth that might otherwise be lost — a far more comfortable procedure than its reputation suggests. A cracked tooth may need a crown to protect and restore it, and when pain comes on suddenly or severely, our emergency care gets you seen quickly. If gum disease is the source of sensitivity, treating your gums brings lasting relief.
You can also do a lot to prevent and manage sensitivity at home. Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste, ease up on acidic and sugary foods and drinks, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Keep up consistent checkups so small problems are caught before they start to hurt. We care for patients across Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and the San Fernando Valley at 16661 Ventura Blvd, Suite 815 (91436), and our Palmdale office serves the Antelope Valley. We accept most PPO insurance and offer CareCredit financing. If a tooth hurts, don't wait it out — call us and let's get you comfortable.
Treating pain early often means a simple filling instead of losing the tooth later.
Catching decay or infection early prevents damage to the nerve and neighboring teeth.
The right treatment ends the ache and the cold-and-sweet sensitivity for good.
An untreated infection can spread beyond the tooth, so prompt care matters.
We examine and image the tooth to pinpoint decay, a crack, gum issues or infection.
When a cavity is behind the pain, a filling removes the decay and seals the tooth.
For nerve infection we do a comfortable root canal; a cracked tooth is restored with a crown.
Sudden or severe pain? We get you seen quickly to relieve it and protect the tooth.
Encino & Palmdale · Emergencies seen quickly · Most PPO insurance accepted.