Severe, throbbing pain could mean that infection has invaded your tooth pulp. Sensitivity to heat and cold could indicate a number of things, including cavities, cracks or gum disease. If the pain goes away quickly, it could mean that you have worn enamel.
If you find that your toothache is unbearable, you should consult a dentist. He will evaluate the condition of your teeth and suggest whether you require having the tooth removed or you need to undergo a root canal treatment.
It has the outer layer, which is the enamel, the middle layer, which is called the dentin, and then the inner layer, which is called the nerve. So anytime that nerve is affected, it is really, really, really painful. That throbby pain that you talk about, that you can't do anything.
Do I Need to Go to the Emergency Room for Tooth Pain? The short answer is that you should go based on how you feel. If you have excruciating tooth pain that you can't take for a second longer or prolonged, excessive mouth bleeding that you can't get under control, you may need to head to the emergency room.
If you are experiencing severe, throbbing pain for over 12 hours if your teeth are bleeding, or have fever/chills, visit your dentist immediately. If you're not sure what to do in an emergency, get in touch with your dentist's office right away!
On average, a tooth nerve pain can last from as little as just a few days to as long as 4-6weeks or, in some instances, even longer. Considering the numbness ad sharp pain that may occur with a tooth nerve, you have to do what you can to get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
In general, non-NSAIDs and even opioids aren't very effective for toothache pain. If over-the-counter painkillers are not working for your toothache, call your dentist right away. You may need another medication, such as an antibiotic, in preparation for having the tooth pain fixed.
“Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or naproxen work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation,” says Huang. Recent data has shown the combination of Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is as effective as prescription opioids for tooth pain.
If you have toothache for more than one or two days, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it treated. The longer you leave it, the worse it will get. If your toothache isn't treated, the pulp inside your tooth will eventually become infected.
When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency? If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days and is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, you're having a dental emergency. This usually indicates an advanced cavity or an infected tooth. Without proper care, your condition will only get worse.
If you have a dental emergency, you should seek medical treatment immediately, however, calling 911 may not be necessary. Dental problems can range from minor annoyances to life-threatening problems. Unless the event is a matter of life or death, then calling 911 is usually not necessary.
If the pain suddenly stops, it does not mean the infection has gone away. Rather, it probably means that the nerve inside the tooth has died. The infection could continue to spread and affect nearby tissues. It could even cause systemic illness.
Level 4: Throbbing Tooth Pain
A throbbing toothache is very painful and frustrating to deal with. This type of pain can come on suddenly or gradually worsen from a sharp pain to throbbing pain. The throbbing sensation may seem limited to one or more teeth, or it may spread to your jaw or even the side of your face.
The main reason why toothaches are more painful at night is our sleeping position. Laying down causes more blood rush to our heads, putting extra pressure on sensitive areas, such as our mouths. We don't feel that throbbing sensation as much during the day because we're mostly standing or sitting.
You should not neglect brushing the affected tooth, as this will accelerate the rate that bacteria builds up in and around the cavity. This build up of bacteria may make the swelling, and hence the pain, even worse. Brushing your teeth will not, however, make the toothache go away (sadly).
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever – Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other pain relievers can ease the pain. Use a cold compress – An ice pack or cold damp cloth can numb the area and can be especially helpful if you are experiencing swelling. Swish salt water or peroxide – These rinses can relieve inflammation.
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine.
Ice. Apply a cold compress to the aching tooth for 10 to 15 minutes to help numb the area. If your tooth is too sensitive, you can apply the ice to the outside of your mouth near the tooth.
Lying flat makes it easier for blood to travel to your head, which can increase pain and throbbing from a toothache. Try elevating your head with a couple of pillows to stay more comfortable.
Apply COLD!
You may have gasses trapped in your tooth. If you keep ice cold water in your mouth, the gasses will contract and pain either lessens or ceases.
You may have noticed that the agony of an existing toothache amplifies at night. The primary reason behind this is when you are lying down in a horizontal position, the blood flow towards the head increases, pressurizing the sensitive areas in your mouth.
The best treatment for a rotten tooth depends on the time of diagnosis or if a cavity has formed. Doctors usually recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste or getting fluoride treatments during the early stages.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain – As the nerves that lead to a dying tooth begin to die away, they may become extra sensitive, causing you a tooth ache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You may experience pain while chewing at or around the site of the dead tooth.
What does a Rotten Tooth Look Like? You might notice that your tooth is discoloured, this can be a sign of a rotten tooth. The tooth may appear brown, black, or grey, and the discolouration may be accompanied by a foul odour.