31 Jan Toothache: origin and treatment

TOOTHACHE

Toothache is a very common reason for consultation among patients. This pain is normally caused by a damaged dental nerve in the pulp of the teeth. In the innermost part of each tooth there is an area called the pulp, which is a vascular-nervous complex that contains blood, supply, and the tooth’s own nerve.

Pulpitis is the inflammation of said nerve and it is very painful. It can occur in one or more teeth and is caused by bacteria invading the pulp of the tooth, causing swelling.

There are two forms of pulpitis – Toothache

Reversible pulpitis refers to cases where the inflammation is mild and the pulp of the tooth remains healthy enough to save it and reverse the inflammation.
Irreversible pulpitis occurs when inflammation and pain are severe and the pulpal state cannot be reversed, that is, save the pulp. Also, this irreversible pulpitis can lead to a type of infection called a periapical abscess. This infection develops at the root of the tooth, where it causes the formation of a pocket of pus. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts, such as the sinuses or alveolar bone.
Both types of pulpitis cause pain, inflammation, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, sensitivity to sweet foods. Irreversible pulpitis can also include additional symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, bad breath and, consequently, a bad taste in the mouth.

These symptoms occur for various reasons such as cavities, trauma to the tooth, a tooth fracture that exposes the pulp, repetitive trauma caused by dental problems. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoiding taking sugars and attending the dentist for regular check-ups to avoid having pulpitis.

Dental pain treatments

Possible treatments for a toothache vary depending on whether the pulpitis is reversible or irreversible. In the first case, the treatment is the cause of the inflammation, for example, a caries. In the second case, faced with irreversible pulpitis, the dentist may recommend the need to perform a root canal, which is the removal of the affected nerve.

Blasi Dental Clinic in Barcelona, ​​is a dental office with dentists specialized in endodontics and any dental pain. We are dentists in Barcelona with all the specialties in dentistry covered.