Toothache

How Does Toothache Occur?

Any damage to the normal anatomy of the tooth can manifest as pain in the tooth, which is a living tissue. The pain felt in the tooth can be either internal or external in origin. If there is damage to the bone tissue surrounding the root of the tooth, it is defined as externally sourced toothache. In toothaches caused by periodontal issues, there is no damage to the enamel and dentin tissue of the tooth. There is trauma or loss in the bone tissue surrounding the root of the tooth. This type of toothache can be alleviated with periodontal treatment and root surface smoothing. If there is decay or pulp damage in the tooth's anatomical tissue, this leads to an internally sourced toothache. In such cases, it may be sufficient to clean the decay and apply a filling, or if the decay has progressed to the pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the tooth's internal nerves.

Is Tooth Tissue Alive?

The dentin and enamel layers that make up the tooth are composed of hard tissue similar to bone tissue. The pulp tissue inside the dentin contains the blood vessels and nerve bundle that nourish the tooth. Therefore, the tooth tissue is alive. It is affected by external stimuli such as cold and hot. When the tooth is subjected to trauma, it responds. If the enamel layer, which is the protective layer of the tooth, wears away with age and loses its thickness, pain may occur in the form of sensitivity in the tooth.

What Are the Causes of Toothache?

There are many causes of toothache. To eliminate and treat the pain, it is necessary to correctly diagnose the source of the pain. In this case, taking an X-ray is essential for diagnosis. Sometimes decay in the tooth causes pain, while other times, a piece of food stuck in the gum between two teeth can cause severe pain. A crack or fracture on the enamel surface can cause pain in the form of sensitivity. Inflammation of the tooth's pulp, known as pulpitis, causes throbbing pain, especially at night and when consuming hot drinks. In such cases, root canal treatment is necessary. After completing the root canal treatment, it is normal for the pain to persist for up to a week, albeit mildly, as part of the healing process. Painkillers can help during this healing period. Pain that occurs with cold drinks may manifest as pain from deep decay as well as pain from the exposed root surface due to gum recession. Proper diagnosis is crucial for effectively treating toothache that directly affects the patient's social life.

What is the Treatment for Toothache?

After correctly diagnosing the problems causing toothache, if it is decay-related, filling the affected tooth will be sufficient to control the pain. If there is nighttime pain and especially sensitivity to heat, root canal treatment may be necessary. If the tooth cannot be saved with a filling or crown, it may need to be extracted. In toothaches caused by periodontal issues, gum treatments are necessary.

Can Toothache Be Confused with Other Conditions?

Due to the anatomical location of the teeth, pain can radiate to other areas. This pain is known as "referred pain." Pain in the upper jaw can affect the neighboring lower teeth upon closure. A patient may come to the clinic with pain in the lower teeth, but examination reveals that the problem is in the upper teeth. Even sinusitis can cause a patient to feel pain in their teeth. In cases of partial facial paralysis, there may be widespread pain in the tooth roots, leading the patient to suspect a dental problem; however, these conditions may require neurological rather than dental treatment. In such cases, consultation with other medical branches is necessary.

Well Dems Travel Agency is by your side with its expert team for toothache treatment and other dental services. Contact us for a healthy smile and a comfortable life.