Sharp, shooting tooth pain is a sudden, intense pain that feels like an electric shock or stabbing sensation in a tooth.
It usually indicates irritation or damage to the dentine or nerve and often requires urgent dental assessment.
Yes — sharp, shooting tooth pain often requires prompt clinical assessment, particularly when it is sudden, recurring, or worsening.
Emergency dental care focuses on identifying the underlying cause of nerve-related pain and determining whether immediate stabilisation is needed, as outlined in our emergency dentistry care framework.
Use the guide below to understand urgency
Immediate dental emergency (seek care today):
Same-day urgent dental problem:
Possibly non-urgent (still needs assessment):
Mild sensitivity that settles quickly and is not worsening
Sharp pain is a warning sign — delaying assessment increases the risk of nerve damage or cracks spreading.
Sudden pain occurs because pressure, temperature, or air rapidly stimulates the nerve through exposed or unstable tooth structures.
Sharp, shooting tooth pain rarely resolves on its own and often worsens without treatment.
Short-term risks:
Medium-term risks:
Severe outcomes:
Treatment focuses on identifying the exact cause and stabilising the tooth before damage progresses.
At Deepcar Dental, sharp tooth pain is assessed by our clinical team led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced training in restorative and digital dentistry. Same-day assessment is available where clinically appropriate.
You Should
Do NOT:
Cold rapidly stimulates exposed dentine tubules connected to the nerve.
Yes. Cracked teeth often cause intermittent pain that appears with pressure.
It may help mild sensitivity, but sharp pain usually needs professional assessment.
Sharp, shooting tooth pain rarely improves on its own. Early assessment helps prevent nerve damage or cracks from worsening.