Can a dentist tell if you have nerve damage?

Whilst monitoring your symptoms your dentist may mark the area of numbness and take photographs in order to mark your progress. The dentist will then monitor your numbness by stimulating the area of numbness by touch, pin prick sensation, taste stimulation and 'two point discrimination'.
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How do dentists detect nerve damage?

Some of the signs and symptoms of tooth nerve damage after receiving dental treatment include:
  1. Numbness or lack of feeling in the tongue, gums, cheeks, jaw or face.
  2. A tingling or pulling sensation in these areas.
  3. Pain or a burning feeling in these areas.
  4. Loss of ability to taste.
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What does nerve damage feel like in tooth?

Tooth nerve pain can feel severe like a sharp, stabbing pain or as little as a dull ache. If your tooth nerve is exposed, particular foods and drinks will probably trigger the pain. Pain in an exposed tooth nerve can be triggered by foods and drinks that are hot or cold, sugary, acidic, or sour.
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How do you know if you have a damaged nerve in your tooth?

A swollen gum, particular around a particular tooth is a sign of nerve damage. Healthy gums are typically shades of pink or light red, whereas colours of dark red indicate inflamed or sensitive gums. Swelling is most prominent right where the tooth meets the gum, and often the gum can begin to cover parts of the tooth.
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Can tooth nerve damage heal on its own?

Nerve Damage Does Not Heal Itself…

There may be times where a dentist could identify techniques to reverse minor nerve pain, but only when there is mild inflammation.
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Dental Nerve Damage Options



How do you fix nerve pain in your tooth?

Home Remedies for Toothache
  1. Apply a cold compress. In general, there are two ways to stop or blunt toothache pain. ...
  2. Take an anti-inflammatory. ...
  3. Rinse with salt water. ...
  4. Use a hot pack. ...
  5. Try acupressure. ...
  6. Use peppermint tea bags. ...
  7. Try garlic. ...
  8. Rinse with a guava mouthwash.
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Can a dentist fix nerve pain?

Two of the most common procedures for tooth nerve pain are fillings and root canals. Fillings: If you have tooth nerve pain caused by a simple cavity, a filling is the most common dental repair. When you have a tooth filled, the dentist numbs the area, removes the decayed material, and replaces it with a filling.
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Can't tell which tooth is causing pain?

If you're feeling a severe and continuing pain from one particular area of your teeth (even if you can't tell exactly which one), this could mean the pulp, the tooth's innermost layer, has become infected with decay. The pain is emanating from nerves within the pulp coming under attack from the decay.
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How does dentist know you need root canal?

Signs you may need root canal therapy include: Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure. Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed) Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
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How do I know if my tooth pain is serious?

See your dentist as soon as possible if:
  1. You have a toothache that lasts longer than one or two days.
  2. Your toothache is severe.
  3. You have a fever, earache or pain when you open your mouth wide.
  4. You experience swelling in the mouth or face.
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Why does my tooth hurt but no cavity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This type of toothache occurs even when there's no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there's a wearing away of enamel or gum recession.
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How long does tooth nerve pain last?

This is temporary, and should go away on its own as long as you practice good oral hygiene. You should see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.
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What is the best painkiller for tooth nerve pain?

“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.
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What kills tooth nerve instantly?

Alcohol. Want to numb your tooth pain? Swishing alcohol like whiskey, scotch, vodka, and brandy will kill the germs and help numb the area around the tooth. A cotton ball soaked in alcohol and applied to the affected area might also be a good way to apply this pain reliever.
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Does the dentist give you pain meds after a root canal?

After the root canal, you may be given an antibiotic if there was a previous infection, to prevent any additional infections. Prescription pain medication may be needed, but most patients will tolerate any discomfort with standard over the counter pain medication.
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Why is toothache worse at night?

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.
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Why does tooth pain come and go?

There are several different issues that can lead to throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes. These include: Tooth decay – Bacteria and the related plaque can build up on the teeth leading to decay. Gum disease – Bacteria underneath the gums can lead to inflammation, swelling, and even gum loss.
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What does a dying tooth root feel like?

A tooth that is dead or dying can lead to a varying level of pain, from almost non-existent to extremely painful. The dying nerve or an infection usually causes an increase in pain. Some people wonder why they experience pain if the nerve is dead.
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Does a tooth infection show up on xray?

A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure. Recommend an X-ray. An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas.
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What does throbbing tooth pain mean?

Throbbing tooth pain is a sign that you might have tooth damage. Tooth decay or a cavity can give you a toothache. Throbbing tooth pain can also happen if there is an infection in the tooth or in the gums surrounding it. Toothaches are typically caused by an infection or inflammation in the tooth.
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Can your toothache for no reason?

You Have Nerve Damage

One possible but uncommon cause of tooth pain is a condition called trigeminal neuralgia. This is a specific type of nerve damage that leads to chronic nerve pain in your head that can sometimes feel like a toothache. Eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth can all cause you to feel pain.
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What causes tooth nerve damage?

Damage to the enamel of your teeth can cause the nerve endings to be exposed. Heat or cold can trigger pain when this happens. Some of the causes of this type of nerve damage can include overuse of whitening products or plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
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How is tooth pain diagnosed?

Guide to Diagnosing Tooth Pain
  1. Symptom: Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods. ...
  2. Symptom: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment. ...
  3. Symptom: Sharp pain when biting down on food. ...
  4. Symptom: Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods.
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Does toothache always mean root canal?

Tooth pain is often a sign of serious issues with your teeth; however, a toothache does not always mean you need a root canal.
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What does a dull toothache mean?

A dull ache can mean something fairly simple, like having a piece of food stuck in your tooth, or it can mean you have tooth decay present. If the dull ache is located in the back of your mouth, it may be due to your wisdom teeth coming in, or your pain may be a symptom of nighttime bruxism.
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