The teeth that hurt the most depend heavily on the situation. Several factors influence pain levels, including the type of tooth, the cause of the pain, and individual sensitivity.
Pain During Tooth Eruption (Teething)
For children experiencing teething, molars generally cause the most pain. This is because molars are the largest teeth and their eruption through the gums requires more force, leading to greater discomfort. Multiple sources corroborate this; Kids Dental Online describes the emergence of molars (25-33 months) as "the most painful stage of teething" due to their size. Similarly, Smiling Kids Noblesville notes the final teething stage (molars) as "known to be the most painful." My Dentist Upland (https://mydentistupland.com/blog/baby-teeth-order-pain-and-remedies/) also highlights molars as often being very painful during eruption.
Pain During Tooth Extraction
When it comes to tooth extractions, the pain level varies considerably. While simple extractions of fully erupted teeth usually cause minimal pain (Floss Dental Pearland), more complex extractions are more problematic. Wisdom teeth and impacted teeth are frequently cited as the most painful to extract (Vitality Dental DFW). Insmyle Dental also points out that molars, especially lower ones, can be difficult due to their large roots and strong jawbone attachment, leading to potentially more painful extractions.
Pain from Other Dental Issues
Pain from cavities, cracks, infections, or sensitive teeth can vary greatly depending on the tooth's location, the extent of the damage, and individual sensitivity. A sharp, stabbing pain might indicate a cavity or crack, while a dull, persistent ache could suggest an infection (Cleveland Clinic). Sensitive teeth (Johns Hopkins Medicine) are a common problem causing discomfort.
