When a painful tooth suddenly stops hurting, the symptoms may indicate that the tooth is dying. The absence of pain may be a relief, but unfortunately, this does not indicate that things are getting better. In fact, once a tooth dies, your options for saving your tooth will decrease dramatically.
Toothaches can be extremely uncomfortable but the pain isn't permanent as long as it's treated. Your dental professional can relieve your pain and prevent any infections in your mouth from spreading in your body.
How Long Does Nerve Pain Last in A Tooth? On average, a tooth nerve pain can last from as little as just a few days to as long as 4-6weeks or, in some instances, even longer. Considering the numbness ad sharp pain that may occur with a tooth nerve, you have to do what you can to get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
In case a person does not treat a dental abscess in its initial stage, then the infection may last anywhere between 5 months to 12 months or even more. Moreover, if no treatment is meted out to the condition, the precious dental pulp will die away and may get another abscess.
If you have toothache for more than one or two days, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it treated. The longer you leave it, the worse it will get. If your toothache isn't treated, the pulp inside your tooth will eventually become infected.
The rupture can be one of the first signs that the infection is beginning to spread. If it enters the bloodstream it can cause a serious condition called sepsis. This is when things get life-threatening. If you notice the rupture, seek medical help immediately.
Can toothpaste help my toothache? If your tooth pain is caused by sensitivity, sensitivity or prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste can help reduce your discomfort.
There could be several reasons for tooth pain that won't go away, including decay, teeth impaction, or tooth malposition that could be overcrowding the rest of your teeth. Since the pain for each of these is very similar, you must consult with a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis.
Dental Nerves Only Feel Pain
One of the unique characteristics of dental nerves is that they can't feel heat, cold, sweets, touch. They only feel. That's why a toothache hurts so much.
Icing your cheek, on the outside of the affected tooth or with a cold compress will numb the area and most importantly, reduce swelling that is causing the pain. Drinking any tea can help sooth your aching tooth, but peppermint tea has qualities that can help numb the affected area, as well.
“Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or naproxen work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation,” says Huang. Recent data has shown the combination of Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is as effective as prescription opioids for tooth pain.
There are certain actions in your mouth that should not cause pain. When they do cause pain, you should mention it to your dentist. Brushing your teeth should not hurt. Flossing your teeth should not hurt.
Many people believe hard liquor can kill bacteria and ease tooth or gum pain. However, it is simply an old wives' tale. There is no evidence showing that it can clear infections or have any antibacterial properties.
Toothache Overview
A toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain. Pain may also occur after an extraction (tooth is pulled out).
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
An infection in your body is considered a threat. If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
Antibiotics will not cure toothache, they will only mask the problem until you have something done about the tooth itself. They may stop the pain for a few days, weeks or even months, but it will always come back with a vengeance!
All dentists are qualified to perform emergency tooth extractions if and when necessary. Tooth extractions are a relatively common oral surgical procedure and may be necessary if your tooth is severely damaged or infected.
The discomfort occurs because the tooth's innermost layer has become damaged or infected, causing the tooth's nerve to send pain signals to your brain. If the pain suddenly stops, it does not mean the infection has gone away. Rather, it probably means that the nerve inside the tooth has died.
If you have extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, sensitive toothpaste can help. Rub toothpaste directly on the affected area and don't rinse afterwards. Anaesthetic gel can also help ease pain. Denture adhesives like Fixodent may help secure a loose denture.
Ice the area: Icing the area can relieve pain and numb the nerves. Put one or two ice cubes in a plastic bag and lay the ice on the aching area or outside the cheek that covers the tooth. Do not use a heating pack to sooth the tooth and do not eat or drink sweet foods and drinks if they increase your pain.
When you lie down to sleep, more blood is able to rush to your brain. More blood circulation means experiencing more tooth pain than if you were standing. This is because the increased blood flow exerts pressure on the painful tooth.
Taking ibuprofen with other painkillers
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine. But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Apply a cold compress to the aching tooth for 10 to 15 minutes to help numb the area. If your tooth is too sensitive, you can apply the ice to the outside of your mouth near the tooth.