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简体中文 SYMPTOM · PAIN ON BITING
It hurts when I chew
Why does one particular tooth hurt only when I chew?
The short answer
Why does one particular tooth hurt only when I chew?
If the tooth is fine at rest but gives a sharp or dull ache only when you chew, it is usually one of the following: a cracked tooth, a prosthesis that is too high, inflammation at the root tip, or gum inflammation. In particular, a "sudden sharp twinge only in a certain position" is a typical sign of a crack, and if a crack is left alone it can extend down to the root and the tooth may be lost, so checking it early is important.
When it hurts to chew, what are the common causes?
- 01
Cracked tooth Glossary (Korean) →
A characteristic sign is a brief sharp twinge when you bite down and release. It is often not visible on X-rays, so we look for it with a bite test and a fluorescence test.
- 02
A prosthesis that is high or does not fit Glossary (Korean) →
If a tooth that recently received a crown or inlay touches first when you bite, force concentrates on that tooth and it hurts. This is often solved by adjusting the bite.
- 03
Inflammation at the root tip Glossary (Korean) →
If there is inflammation at the root tip of a tooth whose nerve has died, the tooth feels raised and hurts when you bite.
- 04
Periodontitis · periodontal abscess Glossary (Korean) →
A tooth whose supporting bone has receded moves and hurts when it takes chewing forces.
- 05
Muscle pain after grinding or clenching Glossary (Korean) →
If several teeth ache generally in the morning and the jaw feels stiff, it may be a muscle problem rather than the teeth.
- 06
Sinusitis in the upper jaw
If several upper molars hurt at the same time when chewing after a cold, inflammation of the sinus (maxillary sinus) may be the cause.
Come in right away, without putting it off, if
- The pain is becoming more frequent and the tooth has started to stay sensitive to cold for a long time
- Part of the tooth has broken off, or it feels sharp against your tongue
- The gums are swollen or the tooth is loose
- Pain has continued for more than 1 week after recent prosthetic treatment
Call us during opening hours 02-877-2867 · If swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, go to an emergency room first.
How does Joy Dental Clinic Bongcheon check it?
- 1
A bite test (biting on an instrument tooth by tooth) finds which tooth, and which cusp, hurts.
- 2
A Q-ray fluorescence test and magnifying loupes are used to check for crack lines the eye cannot see.
- 3
Articulating paper shows whether there is a spot that touches first; if there is, we adjust it on the spot.
- 4
X-rays and CT show inflammation at the root tip and the condition of the supporting bone, to judge whether the tooth can be saved.
How our equipment works is explained on the equipment page.
Which treatment does it lead to?
- Cavity · crack treatment → Once a crack is confirmed, depending on how far it has progressed, the tooth is covered with a crown, or root canal treatment is done first if it has reached the nerve.
- Prosthesis adjustment · remaking → When a prosthesis is the cause and adjusting the bite does not solve it, we consider remaking it.
- Gum treatment → For teeth that are loose from periodontitis, we try to keep them with gum treatment and splinting.
- TMJ · tooth grinding → If the pain comes from the muscles, we approach it with an occlusal splint and habit control.
What can I do at home before my appointment?
- Do not chew hard things (nuts, ice, dried squid) on the painful side. Cracks deepen as more force is placed on them.
- If your jaw feels stiff in the morning, check whether you clench your teeth while asleep. If your teeth are touching during the day, build the habit of parting them slightly.
- If a recent prosthesis feels high, do not put up with it — have it adjusted. A short adjustment often solves it.
Frequently asked questions
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Q1. I heard cracks do not show on X-rays. How do you find them?
We find the painful cusp with a bite test and check for crack lines with a fluorescence test and magnifying loupes. Sometimes an existing filling is removed so the inside can be seen directly.
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Q2. If there is a crack, does it always need a crown?
If a crack is only in the enamel, we sometimes restore it with a bonded filling and monitor it. For a crack that has reached the dentin and opens up when you chew, it is usual to cover the tooth with a crown so it does not progress further. A crack that has reached the root is hard to keep.
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Q3. I just had a new prosthesis and it hurts when I chew. Was something done wrong?
The most common reason is that it is very slightly too high, and in most cases this is solved by adjusting the bite. If pain continues for more than 1–2 weeks even after adjustment, we check the condition of the nerve or the bonding again.
References
※ This page is for general information and does not replace a diagnosis. Causes and treatment differ from person to person, and treatment can have side effects. Last reviewed 2026-09-11 · Director Jeong Jinwoo (board-certified prosthodontist and specialist in integrated dentistry)
Other symptoms
RESERVATION
Start by finding the cause
The same symptom can have different causes. After diagnosis, we explain only the treatment that is needed. Contact us through Naver Booking or by phone.
33 m from Exit 1, Bongcheon Station (Line 2) · Directions from Bongcheon Station →