Tooth pain
What is it?
Whether it's sharp and sudden or dull and constant, tooth pain is hard to ignore. A toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain.
Who it’s for:
A dentist is suitable for anyone experiencing tooth pain, especially when accompanied by swelling, fever, or broken teeth, as these indicate serious infections or injury requiring immediate care. Prompt, professional dental intervention is necessary for pain that disrupts sleep, persistent sensitivity, or a foul taste in the mouth.
How the procedure works:
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Root canal treatment for tooth pain involves numbing the area with local anesthetic, removing infected pulp from inside the tooth, and cleaning, shaping, and sealing the root canals. The procedure takes 60–90 minutes, relieves pain by removing the damaged nerve, and often requires a permanent crown to restore function.
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Step-by-Step Procedure for Tooth Pain
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Diagnosis and Numbing: The dentist uses X-rays to assess the damage. Local anesthetic is applied to ensure the patient feels no pain, with optional sedation available for anxiety.
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Isolation: A dental dam (a sheet of rubber) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean.
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Accessing the Pulp: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the infected or inflamed pulp.
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Removing and Cleaning: Specialized, tiny instruments are used to remove the diseased pulp and clean the canals.
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Shaping and Disinfecting: The canals are shaped and thoroughly disinfected to prevent future infection.
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Filling and Sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) and sealed with adhesive cement.
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Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed to seal the opening, which will later be replaced by a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth.
Comfort and safety
For immediate comfort and safety while dealing with tooth pain, the American Dental Association and local dental experts recommend a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, warm saltwater rinses, and the application of cold compresses to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
Immediate Safety Measures
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Do Not Use Heat: Never apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the jaw, as it can worsen swelling and infection.
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Avoid Aspirin on Gums: Do not place aspirin or other painkillers directly against the gums near an aching tooth, as this can burn the tissue.
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Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of extremely hot, cold, sugary, or hard foods that can worsen pain or damage a weakened tooth.
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Elevate Your Head: Prop your head up with extra pillows when sleeping to prevent blood from pooling in the head, which can intensify throbbing pain.