Severe Dental Pain

Overview

In some cases, you may have pain in your teeth, but not understand why. Depending on the situation, a piece of food may have gotten stuck in a cavity. This, in turn, will irritate the nerve located inside the tooth. Aside from this, if you lose a crown or filling, the tooth may become more sensitive. If you have sensitivity to hot or cold, it may be an indication that the nerve is exposed.

Why Procedure Is Used

When pain continues to get worse, food may be stuck under the gums. For example, popcorn will often cause this type of pain. Since kernels do not break down, they will continue to irritate gum tissue. Unfortunately, this can also cause an infection. If the infection evolves into an abscess, it can create a very serious health condition. Therefore, if you have pain, or start having bad breath, or a foul taste in your mouth, you should contact your dentist. If you notice issues when you chew or bite, you should try to get in to see your dentist as quickly as possible.

Patient Concerns to be Addressed

Before you see your dentist, you can use mild pain relievers to alleviate pain. It is still important to see your dentist in order to treat any infection that may exist. You can also rinse your mouth each hour with warm water. This may be of help in situations where food is stuck in a cavity. You can also try flossing your teeth and using a toothpick around the gums. Depending on the situation, this may be enough to remove any food particles trapped under the gum.

In order to alleviate pain associated with a lost crown or filling, you can use clove oil or an anaesthetic. When you use clove oil, all you will need to do is apply it to the damaged area of the tooth with a cotton swab. If you apply ice to your face over the painful area, it may also help reduce pain. You can apply ice for 10 - 20 minutes each hour.

How Procedure is Performed

Once you see your dentist, he/she will start by removing any decay found on the tooth, and then put in a filling. After the nerve is protected by the filling, pain should go away.

When pain is being caused by food particles trapped under the gum, the dentist will clean the area of debris. In addition, if your dentist discovers an infection, you may have to start using antibiotics to get rid of it. Even if you feel like the infection is gone after a day or two, it is important to finish therapy.

Post-Operative Concerns

Depending on the situation, your dentist may be able to solve tooth pain with a minimal amount of difficulty. On the other hand, if you have an abscess or other issues, you may need to have a root canal, or teeth may need to be extracted.

Perils of Disease

Typically, the sooner you see your dentist, the less complications you will have when dental pain occurs. In addition, when you have dental pain, you may want to avoid flying, as changes in air pressure can make your condition worse.