Under pressure dynamics, what common feature often precedes the painful compression felt in a tooth during descent?

An existing cavity or compromised seal, such as an old filling with microscopic gaps.

The primary trigger for barodontalgia involves the existence of a pre-existing vulnerability within the tooth structure that allows for pressure differential mechanics to take effect. While a perfectly healthy tooth is generally resilient, barodontalgia pain typically arises when there is a compromised internal seal. This commonly means a tooth possesses an existing cavity, or a restoration like a filling or crown has developed microscopic gaps (failing marginal integrity). These gaps allow external water or air to become trapped inside the pulp chamber, which then gets compressed upon descent, generating the acute pain associated with pressure change interaction with existing dental compromise.