Dealing with toothache nerve pain

Toothache can be nasty and get in the way of daily life. 

If left untreated, it can result in an exposed root – opening up the nerves to food, drink, and bacteria, making matters much worse. 

In this blog post, we’ll run through the causes of toothache nerve pain, and give you some helpful tips on how to treat the area – including when to give an emergency dentist in Birmingham a call. 

Causes of tooth nerve pain 

The nerves of the teeth are found in the pulp, which sits right in the centre of the tooth. 

If you’re experiencing nerve pain, it’s usually due to one of two reasons: 

Pulpal sensitivity 

This refers to patients experiencing nerve pain in one tooth. It’s usually caused by a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, tooth decay, infection, or a damaged filling. 

It’s also common in those who grind or clench their teeth, due to the added pressure and wearing down of the enamel. 

Dentinal sensitivity 

Often referring to more widespread nerve pain, dentinal sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel becomes damaged, leading to exposed dentin channels (which connect the nerves to the pulp). 

This is can be caused by receding gums or untreated cavities. 

At-home remedies 

Seeing a dentist for dental advice and treatment is always recommended for the best outcome. 

However, there are some things you can do at home to relieve pain and symptoms before your dental appointment. 

Saltwater rinse 

Saltwater is great for stopping bacterial growth, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms. 

Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a small cup of water and swirl it around your mouth before spitting it out. 

Pain relief 

There’s no doubt you’ll be in some level of discomfort if you’re suffering from toothache nerve pain.

Over-the-counter pain relief can help reduce this in the run-up to your appointment with an emergency dentist in Birmingham. 

Cold compress

Swelling is common for toothache patients. 

To reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the cheek intermittently. 

Toothache nerve pain treatment 

The treatment for toothache nerve pain depends on the cause and the health of the surrounding teeth. 

Common treatments include: 

• Fillings: Fillings involve removing any decay and filling the area with a tooth-coloured resin or composite to prevent infection. 
• Root canal treatment: If the pulp of the tooth is severely damaged or infected, your emergency dentist in Birmingham will remove the damaged nerve and pulp before cleaning and sealing the area. 
• Extraction: In extreme cases, extraction may be the only option. This is performed if the root is decayed. 

When to contact an emergency dentist in Birmingham

If you’re suffering from a lasting toothache (especially for longer than two days), we advise you to book an appointment with one of our emergency dentists in Birmingham. 

They can get to the root of the problem and develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs and circumstances. 

For more information on how Scott Arms Dental Practice can help you to treat toothache, get in touch with the team today.