It started just a few hours ago, but it's driving me crazy. The entire left side of my mouth, top and bottom are super-sensitive and THROBBING- at first it was just in my front teeth on top, now I feel it all along the top and bottom on the entire left side of my mouth.

On top of the throbbing tooth pain, I have a severe throbbing headache and neck pain-

Took Bayer asprin about 20 min ago and it's starting to subside... any idea what could be going on? I know I have a couple of cavities that I'm scheduled to have filled on that side, but they never bothered me before... and now w/the headache and neckpain, I'm wondering if it could be anything else?

Thanks for any input!

It's the cavities acting up. Apparently they have now touched some root and nerves. This is why the throbbing pain. Have them attended to as soon as possible. If you can get an earlier appointment at the dentist go for it. Call them first thing and tell them about your pain and they should try and work you in as soon as possible.

Does this mean I'm going to need a root canal?

And would the pain start so suddenly and severely all throughout that side of my mouth? I felt perfectly fine this morning... it's just so weird that it seemed to come out of nowhere...

If your headache is in the temple area you may be clenching or grinding your teeth. This will also cause neck pain and teeth pain. If life is stressful right now it can cause you to grind your teeth at night. Also, if you happen to sit at a computer for long periods your head automatically goes into a forward neck posture which will cause you to clench.

Now, if the tooth that has the cavity is sensitive to hot or biting or if there is a gum boil over it then yes, you probably have a dead tooth and will need a root canal.

Advil is a good anti-inflammatory for the headache and neck pain as your muscles are in spasm.

Call your dentist tomorrow if it is still bothering you.