There is nothing quite as irritating and painful as tooth nerve damage. It can make day-to-day activities like eating or drinking unbearable. Untreated, the damage will worsen over time, growing very severe. While there are over-the-counter medications that can offer temporary relief and natural home-based remedies that can also help a little, advanced tooth nerve damage will not heal without help from your dentist.

What is Tooth Nerve Damage?

Within the hard outer layer of a tooth is soft dental pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels. If this area becomes infected, the nerves are affected which causes pain. Tooth nerve damage can also happen due to dental trauma, like a chipped or cracked tooth, which exposes the nerves. It is essential to act quickly when dealing with tooth nerve damage to prevent a further spread and to relieve pain.

Common Causes of Tooth Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. When the nerve is damaged, it becomes sensitive to movements and extreme temperatures, making eating uncomfortable. There are two causes of tooth nerve damage:

Pulpal sensitivity: This type of pain is caused by nerve damage surrounding the pulp of a single tooth. This type of sensitivity is typically localized to one tooth only. Common causes include:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Prolonged grinding or clenching

Dental sensitivity: This pain affects more than just one tooth, often causing sensitivity in a larger area. Dental sensitivity occurs when tooth enamel becomes damaged or erodes, allowing external elements access to the nerves of the teeth. Common causes include:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Long-term use of over-the-counter whitening products

Signs of Tooth Nerve Damage

Tooth nerve damage generally develops over time, starting from a dull ache and growing into severe pain. Some of the common signs of tooth nerve damage include:

• A dull ache along your gumline
• Sensitivity to meals that are hot, cold or acidic
• Pain in a single tooth or throughout the mouth

Acting on tooth pain early can greatly help alleviate your discomfort and be treated with less intensive methods. Regular dental care, like brushing and flossing, can go a long way in the prevention of tooth nerve damage.

Treatment for Tooth Nerve Damage

While there are several treatment options used to address tooth nerve damage, the two most common dental procedures are fillings and root canals.

Fillings are the most common dental repair procedures. During treatment, the damaged tooth is filled with dental cement or another substance. The area around the tooth is typically numbed to reduce pain, while the decayed section of the tooth is removed. The fillings plug the removed area, preventing external material from aggravating the nerves.

Root canals are more intensive than fillings and are needed for more severely damaged teeth. During a root canal, the damaged nerve is entirely removed along with the pulp surrounding the tooth. The area is then cleaned and sealed, allowing the patient to continue using their teeth as normal without any pain.

Midland Bay Dental: Tooth Nerve Damage Prevention and Treatment

Good oral health begins with good habits and regular checkups. Regular brushing and flossing, along with frequent visits to the dentist, can go a long way in preventing tooth nerve damage.

At Midland Bay Dental, we’ve been a welcoming destination for dental services in the Midland, Ontario area since 1974. We pride ourselves on providing expert dental care for the whole family. We provide regular cleaning and checkups as well as more intensive procedures like tooth replacement, teeth bonding/veneers or teeth whitening.

If you are looking for a trusted family dentist, contact Midland Bay Dental to book an appointment online or call us at (705) 526-6441.

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