Having to deal with an exposed tooth nerve is nothing short of painful. The smallest movement can offset your entire mouth. Moreover, acts like chewing, brushing teeth, flossing, etc., can lead to excruciating pain. This is why, rather than handling it on your own, it is better to seek urgent dental care.
Nonetheless, in this blog, we’ll tell you all you need to know about the exposed nerve in your tooth. Thus, in case you’re unable to contact a dentist immediately, you’re aware of the problem and can treat it effectively. In fact, one of these methods is sticking a sugarless gum onto the affected area for temporary relief.
What are Tooth Nerves?
The nerve, or root of your tooth, is what keeps the tooth upright and attached to the gums. They’re an essential part of the tooth, located deep inside the bone socket. The nerve stretches deep inside the gum line, which helps secure the tooth to the jawbone. This enables a strong connection since the nerves are covered in cementum. Cementum is a solid connective tissue that plays a vital role in toughening up the tooth’s stance.
This is why when the tooth root is exposed, cementum is the first one to take the hit. It can easily wear away and decay over time, especially during your daily oral hygiene routine.
How Do Tooth Roots Get Exposed?
The body of your tooth contains dentin, enamel, and nerve pulp. If even a single one of these is left out in the open, it can destroy the entire teeth. Plus, your tooth might become susceptible to tooth decay, and once the tooth is exposed, it can cause a great deal of nerve pain.
Not to mention, once the cementum wears out, the dentin inside your tooth reacts strongly to hot, cold, sticky, and acidic foods. This is then what causes tooth sensitivity.
Additionally, your tooth is fully supported by the gum surrounding it, the jawbone, and the cementum inside it. Thus, if even a single support system shifts or disappears, it can cause the entire tooth to suffer as the tooth root rises to the surface.
What Causes Your Tooth Nerve to Become Visible?
In most cases, exposed tooth nerves directly result from gum disease. However, there are many factors that play a role in causing the nerve in your tooth to become vulnerable. Here are some of the common causes:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Receding Gums
- Grinding Teeth
- Physical Trauma or Injury
- Brushing Teeth with too much pressure
- Dental Surgery gone wrong
- Misaligned Teeth or Bite
- Excessive Tobacco Use
- Chipped Tooth
Exposed Nerve in Tooth Symptoms
Take a look at the signs below to know if your tooth nerve popped out from under the gum.
- Heightened Tooth Sensitivity
- Tooth Discoloration
- Sensitivty Pain that Lingers for a Long Time
- Tender or Swollen Gums
- Excessive Gum Bleeding
- Dental Abscess
- Loose Tooth
Exposed Tooth Nerve Treatment
Many people wonder if you can fill a tooth with the nerve exposed or if antibiotics help with an exposed tooth nerve. The answer to both of the questions is: Yes.
However, you can not treat the vulnerable tooth root by yourself. It is vital to seek dental care since a tooth nerve protruding from under the gums is a dental emergency. Here are some treatments your dentist might suggest:
- Dental Bonding
- Flouride Treatment
- Dentin Sealers
- Gum Grafting Surgery
- Dental Implants
- Root Canal
What’s The Takeaway?
In conclusion, an exposed tooth nerve is a dental emergency that can cause you a great deal of pain. Rather than trying to bear with it, contact a dentist immediately. You can also reach out to Waller Dental if you live in Houston, Texas. Just dial (936) 372-2673, and we’ll take care of the rest.