What are the signs of pain that indicate damage to the dental pulp?

What are the signs of pain that indicate damage to the dental pulp?

Toothache in the mouth has multiple origins. Some are caused by temporary sensitivity due to various sugary and acidic foods the patient consumes. Others are caused by the degradation of the tooth's structural layers due to aging or a normal physiological process. Others are caused by tooth trauma or erosion over time.

Sensitivity can occur after dental fillings or cleanings, and these pains often subside spontaneously without any cause for concern. Sensitivity may also occur when teeth are used in an abnormal manner, such as biting hard or cold foods, such as ice cubes.

Most of the above can be resolved by using anti-sensitivity toothpastes with soft toothbrushes. This can be further treated with mouthwashes specifically designed to reduce sensitivity. A doctor’s consultation can provide a perfect solution. 

The second type of toothache is moderate-intensity pain, which can be described as intermittent pain. It is triggered by certain foods, such as sticky sugars and cold sweets. This pain is often associated with tooth decay, which is considered one of the simplest treatments. Once a doctor is consulted and the underlying cause is removed, the problem is completely resolved. It is important to note that delaying intervention in such cases will worsen the consequences, which should not happen.

The third type of toothache can be described as constant, throbbing pain. The patient often feels pulses similar to electrical impulses that intensify for long periods, causing insomnia, distraction, and an inability to perform normal daily tasks. This can be described as dental pulp pain, which occurs as a result of the progression of the injury or tooth decay and its penetration deep into the tooth, causing inflammation of the dental pulp. This requires immediate medical intervention, which cannot be resolved with medications and painkillers, but these can help relieve the pain while treatment is ongoing.

What are the possible solutions to avoid dental pulp pain? 

One of the best and easiest solutions is regular visits to the dentist and the necessary examination and cleaning to detect any minor problems before they escalate. This includes strict adherence to the dentist's instructions regarding frequent tooth brushing, reducing sugary foods, and trying whenever possible to replace them with natural sugar sources, which are less harmful than artificial sugars.

What are the available solutions for managing dental pulp pain, including endodontic or root canal procedures?

In fact, this problem cannot be solved individually, by the patient, or by using home remedies or long-term pain relief solutions. The only appropriate solution is to consult a specialist in endodontics and have the affected pulp treatment. The pain will gradually subside within the hours following treatment, once the treatment is complete. These days, the treatment has become faster than before and is often possible in a single session.

Is dental pulp treatment (endodontic treatment / root canal treatment) painful or frightening? 

Many people commonly believe that this procedure is painful or requires frightening procedures that prevent patients from visiting a doctor for fear of anesthesia. However, the reality is that this procedure has become one of the simplest treatments available today, with minimal pain that cannot be compared to the consequences of neglecting treatment.

What are the risks of neglecting (endodontic treatment / root canal treatment)?

The greatest risk is the infection spreading deeper into the bone surrounding the tooth, leading to a larger infection or abscess around the tooth. This requires subsequent surgical intervention, which is undoubtedly more difficult to resolve than the initial treatment. In this case, the tooth will likely be extracted and lost.

What is the most important advice regarding (endodontic treatment / root canal treatment)?

Early visit your dentist as soon as any of the aforementioned pain occurs to prevent its progression and treat any necessary treatment.

Dr. Yaman Seirawan (Endodontic Specialist)