Throbbing Tooth

They say there is no pain that is worse than dental pain. And this statement could not be truer. And who knows this better than someone who has actually suffered from the pain of a throbbing tooth? It's little wonder then, that none of us like to go to the dentist, but when we have a tooth that gives us that kind of pain, we are left with little choice.

Whenever a person suffers from any kind of toothache, the first question that the doctor will ask you is how is the pain. While this may seem like a silly question for some (and a sadistic question, part of the torturing regime of all dentists for a few skeptical souls), there is a reason why the dentist asks you this question.

Taking a good patient history is a crucial part, so as to reach the right diagnosis. Given below are details regarding why a person may suffer from a throbbing tooth and how to deal with it.

When a person walks into the dentist and complains of this condition, it can mean only one thing - that the infection has reached the pulp and has led to acute pulpitis, that is, acute inflammation of the pulp. When there is tooth decay, first, it is the enamel, which gets infected.

From here, the infection goes to the dentin, and then, if the tooth remains untreated, it proceeds to the pulp. Now, after reaching the pulp, this infection can take a chronic course or an acute course.

If it takes a chronic course, then it will lead to a dull aching pain and eventual pulp necrosis or death. However, if the infection takes an acute turn, then it will lead to severe inflammation of the pulp, along with a throbbing sensation and increased pain at night, in short, a severe toothache.

Sometimes people may have this pain after the filling, which implies that the caries was not completely removed, and it has now reached the pulp, leading to pain. This may also mean that there has been a reinfection at the site of the filling. If a person complains of root canal pain after procedure, then it could mean that the root canal done was faulty or that the infection has restarted in the periapical region, that is, the region surrounding the tip of the root.

If the tooth has reached this stage, i.e., if there is severe pain, then it means that the person will need to go in for a root canal. In this procedure, all the infected pulp is removed, and in its place, a sterile material known as gutta percha is placed.

This way, the tooth can be saved. If this condition persists after a root canal treatment, then the case will need to assessed. Either there will be need for re-root canal treatment, or if the infection has spread to the jawbone, then there may even be a need for tooth extraction.

So, it is best to pay a little attention to your dental health and visit the dentist every three months. Always remember - a little bit of dental care goes a long way!

This was all about how to deal with throbbing tooth pain and what it means. This is usually the last stage at which the tooth can be salvaged, because if the infection spreads to the surrounding bone, then in most likelihood it will become a tooth abscess, and if still left untreated, will need to be extracted.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.