Dental Pain - Your Questions Answered.

How does decay cause pain?

Decay destroys teeth by dissolving the tooth structure. When only the enamel layer is affected it is quite painless, as the enamel has no nerve supply.However, when decay spreads to the sensitive underlying dentine, the nerves register pain in response to hot, cold and sweet food and drinks. As the decay penetrates deeper into the tooth, the pain increases in intensity. It can vary and be described as being intermittent to persistent or continuous. mild, dull, aching, or gnawing, to throbbing, sharp, intense, piercing, severe, and even excruciating!

What causes severe, throbbing pain that lasts for hours?

An abscess is usually the cause of a severe throbbing pain. It may be at an early stage or be fully developed: The pain indicates that the pulp has been destroyed by the decay process.A severe spell of pain can be triggered, lasting for hours. The dead tissue forms gases, which react strongly to hot food and drinks. An abscess will also have begun to form at the end of the root, and the gum adjacent to the tooth may be swollen. This condition can cause a fever and a feeling of being unwell.  The treatment for this condition is to open the tooth and allow the pus to drain out. Pain relief is instant, but the tooth will still be sensitive, as the area around the end of the root is infected. The remedy is a root canal treatment

Can a cold cause a toothache?

There are spaces or sinuses in the bone, above the upper teeth. The roots of some of these teeth are very close to the sinuses. The nerve supply to the teeth, jaws and to most of the face is provided by branches of the same nerve, the trigeminal nerve. The sinuses often become infected during a head cold, and this sinusitis can cause the upper teeth to ache and feel "on edge." Since the teeth are not the cause of the problem this is also called "a referred pain". When the sinusitis clears up, the toothache will go away.

What painful effects could an accident have on the teeth?

Accidents can cause damage to teeth, particularly front teeth. The intensity of the pain will depend on the nature and degree of the damage. When a large piece of tooth has broken off, the nerves and blood vessels will be exposed. This is very painful. A root treatment will be needed, followed by the repair of the tooth. When a tooth remains intact but is forced into the jaw, it can damage the nerves and the blood vessels to the tooth at the tip of the root. The following symptoms will be experienced: The tooth will become very sensitive to the slightest pressure. It may also become loose. The dentist will observe the tooth carefully to assess the extent of the damage, and decide on the appropriate treatment.

Why does a severe ache sometimes return two days after a tooth has been extracted?

After a tooth has been extracted, the socket may become infected. This condition is called "Dry Socket". The infection in the socket can cause a more severe pain than the toothache before the extraction. The pain is continuous, piercing, and difficult to control with analgesics. It is a dental emergency and treatment should not be delayed.

1300SMILES recommends dental pain be treated straight away. For appointments call 1300 764 537 or click here.

Article and Images supplied by Simply Teeth