Why is my veneered tooth throbbing?
Spontaneous throbbing points to the nerve, not the shell — do not wait this one out.
Throbbing that starts without a trigger — worse at night or when lying down — is a different signal from brief cold sensitivity. It suggests the pulp inside the tooth is inflamed, which can happen in veneered teeth just as in any other tooth.
What pulp inflammation means for a veneered tooth
Causes include deep decay under a margin, a crack reaching the dentin, trauma, or cumulative irritation from earlier treatment. Early reversible inflammation can settle once the cause is treated; established inflammation typically needs root canal therapy, which can often be done while keeping the veneer.
Painkillers may mute the throbbing for a while, but the underlying inflammation continues. Pain character and speed of progression vary between individuals, so persistent or nighttime throbbing in a veneered tooth is a firm reason to see your dentist promptly for an exam and pulp testing.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.