Tooth pain can occur naturally from out of nowhere but can result from minor to major sensitivity. When this happens, the mouth becomes painful, making it difficult to eat and talk without any pain. Medication may temporarily limit the pain, but there is an underlying issue that needs urgent attention. One of the reasons for this is tooth nerve damage.
When the dental pulp becomes infected, this is a sign of nerve damage. The dental pulp resides within the underlying dentin, covered by the enamel, and is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. Going further, blood vessels and nerves are built branches that supply blood to every tissue in the body.
When both the vessels and nerves are exposed, you’ll experience a lot of pain and immediate emergency treatment will be required.
It is important to address the signs of tooth nerve damage so you’re aware of what its causes are and how to identify them.
Trauma From Injury
Nerve damage can become instant from a traumatic sudden injury to the jaws and teeth. For example, physical contact in sports is the most common way for dental trauma to occur. It may also occur via a physical accident where the point of contact is the jaw and teeth. Immediately after this, you need to identify the result of the accident is broken or cracked teeth. The pain will be severe as well. The tooth nerves will be exposed as a result and will require immediate emergency treatment.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a result of poor oral hygiene or medications that impact your oral health. When tooth decay advances, you need to see the dentist as soon as possible because decay can wear down the tooth nerve, causing the pulp to be exposed. This increases the chances of nerve infections and you’ll begin to feel sensitivity, particularly when you eat and drink.
An Abscessed Tooth
When the jaw or face swells up, it is likely that the tooth root has become infected due to injury or decay. This is a sign of a dental abscess. An abscess is where pus (a form of liquid) forms inside the teeth, gums and bone. It is a bacterial infection that causes throbbing pain. This is another indication of tooth nerve damage.
Nerve Damage Does Not Heal Itself…
Unlike most physical injuries where rest helps to heal, this isn’t the same for tooth nerve damage. There may be times where a dentist could identify techniques to reverse minor nerve pain, but only when there is mild inflammation. 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. Also, if you’ve recently had treatment for nerve damage and you’re seeking cosmetic treatment to straighten teeth such as with Invisalign, you may experience complications, but you can consult your dentist to discuss complications with cosmetic treatment moving forward.
Are you experiencing severe pain in the mouth? It could be a sign of tooth nerve damage. Contact us at Ashfield Family Dental today so we can check you in for emergency treatment as soon as possible.
