There’s no doubt that the pain that comes with dental problems is nothing short of agonizing. Out of these, an exposed nerve in the tooth is probably one of the worst things to deal with. Not only is it extremely painful, but it also heightens your tooth sensitivity. This makes simple acts like eating and drinking a challenge in itself.
Do Teeth Have Nerves?
Every tooth has a bundle of unique nerve endings that keep the tooth attached to your gums. Moreover, these nerves, or roots, are a vital part of your tooth. Lying deep inside the tooth’s body, under the pulp, a tooth root anchors itself to the gums by maintaining a strong connection. After all, these nerves are what keep your teeth from falling off.
Each and every strand of the nerve is covered in cementum, which is a super strong connective tissue. Cementum is what essentially gives the nerve in your tooth that extra hold. It’s somewhat of a dental armor. Moreover, cementum is also the first thing to fade away when your tooth nerve is exposed.
How Does a Tooth Nerve Get Exposed?
Usually, periodontal disease is what leads the nerve of your tooth to get exposed. Since your tooth is made up of multiple layers, if even a single one of them shifts, it can cause severe repercussions. Dentin, the pulp, cementum, gums, jawbone, etc., are all vital components that make your mouth work the way it should.
So, be it gingivitis or periodontitis, affected gums can seriously cause harm to your teeth. Some further issues that can have a similar effect are as follows:
- Receding Gums
- The Habit of Grinding Teeth
- Undergoing Serious Physical Trauma or Injury
- Using too much pressure when Brushing Teeth
- Side Effects of a Dental Surgery
- Misaligned Teeth or Bite
- Smoking Excessively
- Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth
- Untreated Dental Cavity
Can an Exposed Nerve in Tooth Heal Itself?
Once your tooth root is exposed enough, there is no way it can heal itself. You may experience a dip in pain or discomfort. But once the bacteria cling on, they will eat their way through until they reach the jawbone. This is why it’s crucial to contact a dental professional as soon as you notice something off in your oral routine.
Signs to Look Out For In Case of an Exposed Tooth Root
If you suspect you might be suffering from an exposed dental nerve, look out for the following signs:
- Heightened tooth sensitivity during eating
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Lingering pain
- Gums that are swollen or tender
- Bleeding gums
- Dental abscess on gums
- Wobbly tooth
How to Treat an Exposed Tooth Nerve?
Unfortunately, you cannot kill an exposed nerve in your tooth at home. Only a dental professional can handle the procedure to treat the nerve with care. For instance, if the bacteria has spread too fast, your dentist might suggest a tooth extraction. However, if the infection is in its initial stages, you might have to go through any of the following procedures:
- Bonding
- Dental Implants
- Dentin Sealants
- Flouride Treatment
- Gum Grafting Surgery
- Root Canal
Conclusion
All in all, if you identify with the above-mentioned symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist. In the case of an exposed nerve in the tooth, seeking urgent dental care is crucial. Nonetheless, for more information, contact SIMA Dental at (281) 457-6444.