There are several different issues that can lead to throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes. These include: Tooth decay – Bacteria and the related plaque can build up on the teeth leading to decay. Gum disease – Bacteria underneath the gums can lead to inflammation, swelling, and even gum loss.
When tooth decay begins it is a gradual process and an intermittent throbbing toothache is usually a sign that a cavity is developing.
You may feel toothache in many ways. It can come and go or be constant. Eating or drinking can make the pain worse, particularly if the food or drink is hot or cold. The pain can also be mild or severe.
Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It's often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. It usually happens in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about 2 minutes. The attacks stop as suddenly as they start.
If you have a relatively mild toothache that suddenly goes away or that is intermittent, you might have a small cavity. The cavity may not be deep enough yet to cause continuous pain. Gum recession, which exposes the sensitive tooth roots, may also be a cause of mild or intermittent pain.
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.
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.
While it takes a long time for a tooth infection to become fatal, it's possible for a tooth infection to develop into sepsis if left untreated. Typically, this process takes a few months. And even though it may feel like your pain subsides when the abscess bursts, don't be fooled.
If you have a toothache — whether it comes and goes or lingers — you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Treating the issue early can keep it from getting worse or causing more pain.
You should not neglect brushing the affected tooth, as this will accelerate the rate that bacteria builds up in and around the cavity. This build up of bacteria may make the swelling, and hence the pain, even worse. Brushing your teeth will not, however, make the toothache go away (sadly).
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever – Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other pain relievers can ease the pain. Use a cold compress – An ice pack or cold damp cloth can numb the area and can be especially helpful if you are experiencing swelling. Swish salt water or peroxide – These rinses can relieve inflammation.
“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.
A dentist can tap on the problem tooth to determine whether pain appears when adequate pressure is applied. The painful feeling can mean that a root canal is required.
Untreated cavities may become larger, extending into the deeper structures of the tooth and possibly into the tooth's pulp or nerve. This can cause pain that may radiate to other teeth or up the jaw. In some cases, a dental cavity may result in a dental abscess.
Tooth Pain
It does not necessarily mean you need a root canal, but most teeth that need root canals do cause pain. Dental pain may be bothersome or severe, but it almost always has a throbbing “heartbeat” rhythm.
Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess. A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses.
Tooth abscesses don't form overnight—there are multiple stages to formation, starting with enamel erosion and progressing to dentin decay, pulp decay, and finally abscess formation. This process can take weeks or even months.
Tooth infections that have traveled to the jawbone can lead to severe dental abscesses and jawbone infections. Osteomyelitis in the jaw causes persistent pain, jaw stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Additionally, bacterial infections of the teeth can also spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis.
an intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse. pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum. pain that's worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep. redness and swelling in your face.
Nerve Damage Does Not Heal Itself…
When symptoms are minor and the root of the tooth is exposed, a dental filling is considered by the dentist. Where the symptoms are major, root canal treatment is required. Either way, consult the dentist for emergency treatment as soon as you can.