If you have a tooth that has a pulsing sensation coming from it, is this anything to be concerned about? This pulsing sensation could be a warning sign that there is something wrong with the tooth, so it is a good idea to have it examined by a dentist. Here are four common causes of that strange feeling in your tooth.

Sinus Pressure

When having a sinus infection or a cold, your sinuses will swell up due to inflammation, which is what puts additional pressure on your tooth's nerves. This can cause the blood pressure to rise, and you will feel that within the affected tooth. Sometimes this can be accompanied by pain, but if the pulsing is due to sinus pressure, it will go away when your sinus problems go away. If you first noticed the problem when you became sick, wait a couple days, since the pulsing sensation might clear up all by itself.

Pulpitis

If you do not have a sinus infection, the pulsing sensation could be coming from within your tooth. Pulpitis is when the pump in the tooth becomes inflamed, which can happen for several reasons. Thankfully, not every reason requires a root canal or filling. 

When the sensation is not ever painful and occurs at times such as when you are eating something very cold or hot, it is not something you should be concerned about. Just be aware of this when eating foods that are hot and cold. If the pulsing happens almost randomly, a dental procedure could be required to fix the tooth.

Root and Crack Damage

A direct blow to the jaw could have caused trauma to the gumline or jaw and damaged the tooth's roots. You can't see this kind of injury, but it can lead to a pulsing sensation that eventually causes pain. If you have a significant crack in the tooth, the problem could require having the tooth pulled, since significant cracks can't be repaired.

Fillings and Crowns That Are Failing

If you've already had a procedure on the tooth that involved a filling or crown, the pulsing sensation could be from the filling or crown becoming loose. For example, it's possible that bacteria has gotten under the crown and is now causing decay. You will need the crown removed so that the decay can be addressed, and then the crown will need to be put back onto the tooth.

Meet with a dentist, such as one at Renovo Endodontic Studio, to find the definitive reason behind this sensation in your tooth.