What is Nerve Tooth Pain and What You Can Do About It

Tooth pain is never pleasant, but when that pain is sharp, throbbing, or feels like it shoots straight through your jaw, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with nerve pain. Unlike general tooth sensitivity or mild discomfort, nerve-related tooth pain can be especially intense and hard to ignore. At Balanced Dental, we understand how disruptive and uncomfortable this kind of pain can be, and we want to help you better understand what’s going on and how we can treat it.

What Causes Nerve Tooth Pain?

To put it simply, nerve tooth pain happens when the nerve inside your tooth becomes inflamed or exposed. The innermost part of your tooth is called the pulp, and this pulp is home to nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is irritated, whether by decay, trauma, infection, or even a deep filling, you might start to feel some serious discomfort. One of the most common culprits is a deep cavity. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, bacteria can infect the tissue and lead to inflammation or even an abscess. Trauma to a tooth, such as a crack or break from an accident, can also expose the nerve or disrupt the blood flow, leading to nerve death. Even repetitive dental procedures or chronic grinding and clenching can stress the tooth and affect the nerve over time.

What Does Nerve Pain Feel Like?

People describe nerve tooth pain in different ways, but common descriptions include a sharp or stabbing sensation, a deep ache, or pain that radiates through the jaw or ear. Often, the pain worsens with hot or cold foods and drinks, or when biting down. For some, the pain comes and goes, while for others, it may be constant. One of the telltale signs that the nerve is involved is if the pain lingers long after a stimulus, like sipping hot coffee or cold water, is removed. In more advanced cases, you may feel a throbbing sensation that keeps you up at night or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Tooth pain that involves the nerve rarely goes away on its own. In fact, ignoring it can lead to bigger problems. If the nerve becomes infected and isn’t treated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and even lead to more serious health issues. The longer you wait, the more complex and costly the treatment might become. That’s why early evaluation is so important. Even if the pain comes and goes, or only flares up occasionally, it’s a good idea to have it looked at before it gets worse.

How We Diagnose Nerve Pain

At Balanced Dental and our sister locations, we start by listening to your symptoms and examining the tooth closely. We’ll often take X-rays to look for signs of decay, infection, or damage that might not be visible on the surface. Sometimes we’ll perform a cold test or tap test to check how the nerve is responding. All of these steps help us get a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your tooth so we can recommend the right treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Tooth Nerve Pain

Treatment depends on the root cause of the pain. If the nerve is irritated but not infected, we may be able to treat it with a simple filling or dental bonding. In cases where the nerve is inflamed but still alive, a procedure known as pulp capping might help protect it and encourage healing. However, if the nerve is infected or has died, a root canal is often the best solution. While that term might sound scary, root canals today are much more comfortable than they used to be and are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. During a root canal, we remove the damaged nerve tissue, clean the area, and seal it off to prevent further infection. In some cases, especially when the tooth is severely decayed or cracked, extraction may be the only option. We’ll always walk you through your options and help you decide on the best course of action based on your comfort and long-term oral health.

Managing Pain at Home (But Only Temporarily)

We understand that you might not be able to get to the dentist immediately, especially if nerve pain starts over the weekend or in the middle of the night. While waiting for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to manage the discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help take the edge off. Avoiding very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks can also reduce sensitivity. Some people find relief with saltwater rinses or applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. That said, these are only temporary fixes. Nerve pain is usually a sign that your tooth needs professional attention, so be sure to schedule a visit as soon as possible.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to avoid nerve pain in the first place is through regular dental care. This means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for cleanings and exams every six months. Preventive care allows us to catch small problems before they turn into big ones. It also gives us a chance to monitor any teeth that have had previous dental work or trauma, which can sometimes develop issues over time.