The intensity of tooth pain can be extraordinary, with severity rivaling true neuralgia – intense neurological pain of almost unparalleled proportions. So, why do toothaches hurt so much? Here's why: That painful tooth is literally in your head.
The pain can also be mild or severe. It may feel "sharp" and start suddenly. It can be worse at night, particularly when you're lying down. A lost filling or broken tooth can sometimes start the pain.
It has the outer layer, which is the enamel, the middle layer, which is called the dentin, and then the inner layer, which is called the nerve. So anytime that nerve is affected, it is really, really, really painful. That throbby pain that you talk about, that you can't do anything.
If you find that your toothache is unbearable, you should consult a dentist. He will evaluate the condition of your teeth and suggest whether you require having the tooth removed or you need to undergo a root canal treatment.
If you are experiencing pain due to a cavity or an infection, then your discomfort will persistently last for more than 48 hours and will continue to worsen with time.
Tooth nerve pain can develop gradually over time, initially feeling like a dull ache in the mouth and gradually building into more severe discomfort. Acting on the pain early on can help to alleviate discomfort and may provide your dental surgeon with less intensive treatment options.
It depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if you have temporary gum irritation, it should go away on its own in a day or two. But if you have a cavity or abscess, the pain may come and go somewhat, but it won't go away completely.
Like we touched on above, a toothache may simply be the result of your lunch lingering between your teeth, in which case brushing and flossing can easily resolve the problem.
In general, non-NSAIDs and even opioids aren't very effective for toothache pain. If over-the-counter painkillers are not working for your toothache, call your dentist right away. You may need another medication, such as an antibiotic, in preparation for having the tooth pain fixed.
Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth will clean the area surrounding the tooth. As you brush, use a toothbrush that is meant to help and clean sensitive teeth. You can also floss around the tooth and free any excess particles that might be causing the pain.
The nerve inside the tooth becomes irritated, and it sends massive pain signals to the brain. An extraction handles the problem by removing the tooth, including the infected tissue and the nerve that was responsible for the pain.
While most nerve damage is always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage.
Some of the signs of nerve damage after receiving a dental injection may include: A lack of sensation in the area treated even after the anaesthetic should have worn off. Numbness or lack of feeling in the tongue, gums, cheeks, jaw or face. A pulling or tingly sensation in these areas.
Is a root canal painful? Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain – As the nerves that lead to a dying tooth begin to die away, they may become extra sensitive, causing you a tooth ache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You may experience pain while chewing at or around the site of the dead tooth.
Nerve injuries in routine dental and oral surgery procedures are rare but treatable with the proper management.
Your dentist removes the damaged nerve and pulp from inside your tooth during the root canal process, cleans the affected area, and seals it. The nerves inside your teeth are essential for a healthy tooth function, and a root canal will cure some types of tooth nerve pain.
If a dentist drills too deep, he or she might cut through the bottom of the tooth. This can create an infection, swelling, and failure of the procedure. A failed root canal may lead to loss of the tooth, damage to the jaw bone, and gum issues.
What is the most difficult tooth to extract? Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that have failed to erupt properly. They are generally considered to be the most difficult teeth to extract.
Root Canals Aren't Possible with Severe Infection
If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth. In addition, if a large portion of the tooth is lost and a crown cannot be placed on what's left, root canal treatment is no longer a viable solution.
A dead tooth can stay in your mouth for up to several days or months; however, keeping a dead tooth may lead to problems with your jaw and also result in the spreading of decay and bacteria to other teeth. Most dentists will recommend having the dead tooth extracted and replaced with a denture, bridge, or implant.
Cheese, yogurt, and milk stimulate the body to produce more saliva that protects your teeth.
Gently massaging your gums can help to break up any tissue or bacteria that are contributing to any pain that you may be experiencing. As a way to alleviate pain and discomfort throughout your body, oral massage can help give your mouth that same instant relief.
Recommended pain relief for dental pain in adults. *For severe or acute conditions, ibuprofen can be prescribed to a maximum of 2.4g daily (600mg, four times a day). If you wish to purchase the product over the counter, then the maximum dose is 1.2g daily (400mg, three times a day).