Sensitivity to hot or cold is discomfort or pain triggered when a tooth is exposed to temperature changes.
While mild sensitivity can be temporary, sudden, sharp, or lingering pain often indicates damage to the tooth structure or early nerve involvement.
Sometimes — sensitivity to hot or cold may require urgent dental assessment, particularly when the pain is sudden, severe, or lingers after the stimulus is removed.
In these cases, evaluation within a structured emergency dentistry assessment framework helps determine whether the sensitivity reflects a deeper problem that should not be delayed.
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
Lingering heat sensitivity is particularly concerning and often indicates nerve inflammation.
Cold sensitivity often affects the outer layers of the tooth, while heat sensitivity more commonly signals nerve involvement.
Temperature sensitivity rarely resolves permanently without treatment and often worsens over time.
Short-term risks:
Medium-term risks:
Severe outcomes:
Treatment focuses on identifying the cause and protecting the tooth before nerve damage occurs.
At Deepcar Dental, temperature sensitivity 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.
Mild sensitivity may ease, but persistent or worsening sensitivity needs dental evaluation.
Localised problems such as cracks, decay, or gum recession usually affect individual teeth.
No. Many cases respond to conservative treatment, but untreated sensitivity often progresses.
Sudden or worsening sensitivity to hot or cold can signal damage to the tooth or nerve. Early assessment helps prevent pain from progressing or becoming irreversible.