A dentist can perform a dental procedure to remove a tooth, but if the dentist hits a nerve in the area, the patient will experience pain. This type of pain is known as dental paresthesia. It can last weeks or even months. In some cases, antibiotics can help relieve the pain. The earlier you start treating the pain, the better the outcome.
What does dental nerve damage feel like?
Dental nerve damage can occur during a number of dental procedures. Some common procedures include tooth replacement and extraction. The lingual nerve is often damaged during these procedures, and this can result in pain and numbness in the mouth. The inferior alveolar nerve is also susceptible to damage during dental procedures. Both of these nerves are located inside the mandibular bone and the alveolar canal.
Fortunately, treatment for dental nerve pain is quite common. Typically, a dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal to remove painful nerve tissue. This procedure involves cleaning the inside of the tooth and filling it with sterile material. Since root canals remove painful nerve tissue, they do not have a major impact on the structure of the tooth. In addition, the root canal procedure usually cures the problem and eliminates future pain.
While dental nerve damage is not usually visible, a swollen gum that surrounds the tooth may be an indicator. Healthy gums are light pink to red; a swollen, dark red gum indicates a problem. This swelling is most noticeable in the area where the gum meets the tooth, but may also extend to cover parts of the tooth.
How do dentists treat nerve damage?
Dental nerve damage can be a scary and debilitating problem. It’s often caused by a dental procedure that went wrong. The dentist may have used improper equipment or failed to take necessary precautions. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to treat the nerve damage. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the cause of your symptoms and the best course of treatment. Your dentist can also give you medications to alleviate your pain.
Nerve damage is usually undetected during a dental procedure and only manifests itself afterward. The symptoms are pain and altered or complete loss of sensation in the affected area. These sensations are known as paresthesia. They can affect the lips, tongue, chin, and jaw.
Sometimes the tooth can be so close to the nerve that it causes numbness. A common cause of this sensation is a lower wisdom tooth. In that case, the extraction process is more likely to aggravate or damage this nerve. However, this is usually a temporary effect. Symptoms of nerve damage will be present for several days, or even weeks.
What happens if a dental injection hits a nerve?
A dental injection can damage a nerve after a tooth extraction if the needle accidentally nicks the nerve. This can cause significant levels of pain and bruising in the area. In some cases, the nerve may even be physically crushed. The dentist may nick the nerve with a hand instrument or a dental drill. The dentist may also section or incise the gum tissue to access the tooth. This can damage the nerves within the gum tissue flap, resulting in trauma.
The time required to heal the damaged area depends on the type of nerve injury. However, a quick return of sensation is an encouraging sign of full recovery. In most cases, the nerve injury can heal on its own. The length of the healing process depends on the type and extent of the nerve injury. Dentists may not be able to visualize the nerve injury, which makes it difficult for them to predict the exact duration of recovery.
When dental negligence damages a patient’s nerve, they can file a dental malpractice lawsuit against the dentist. If this happens, the patient may be entitled to compensation for the pain and psychological trauma they suffered.
Will antibiotics help tooth nerve pain?
Toothaches are often a result of decay and infection, but they can also be caused by mouth trauma or inflamed pulp tissue. In such cases, a dentist will prescribe an antibiotic to prevent an infection. A tooth extraction will be necessary if the infection has progressed to the nerve.
Antibiotics can help alleviate pain after a tooth extraction, but they are not the perfect solution. If your tooth infection has spread to the nerves, antibiotics will only mask the symptoms and do nothing to treat the cause of the infection. A root canal is often a better option.
There have been a variety of studies that have evaluated the use of antibiotics for dental pain. Two of these studies evaluated the use of antibiotics to relieve pain after a tooth extraction. However, the results were mixed. Some of these studies did not assess whether antibiotics reduced pain, while others found no difference between the antibiotics and a placebo. In addition, one study found that antibiotics caused a number of side effects in patients.
What helps nerve pain in gums?
If you’re wondering what helps nerve pain in gums after tooth extraction, there are many ways to treat it. One of the easiest ways is taking an over-the-counter painkiller, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But you must take them both at the same time to be effective.
The nerve pain that occurs after tooth extraction is caused by a dry socket. A small clot forms around the extracted tooth root. This clot is formed over a couple of weeks and solidifies into the gum and jaw. Sudden movements such as blowing your mouth or sucking a straw can dislodge this clot, exposing the nerves. To relieve the pain until the gums have healed down into the extraction site, use Tylenol or another over-the-counter pain reliever.
The symptoms of nerve inflammation are usually temporary. They should subside within a few weeks without further treatment. However, if you continue to experience pain, speak with your dentist to find out what you can do to alleviate it. The dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling and help you cope. While it may seem trivial, nerve inflammation is distressing and can impact your ability to chew and feel in your mouth.
What helps gums heal faster after extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you should follow certain guidelines to ensure a quicker recovery. For one, the extraction site is a delicate area that shouldn’t be brushed or flossed for several days. Saltwater rinses and ice packs are also recommended to reduce swelling and pain.
The first 24 hours after extraction are critical for the gums to heal. You should avoid brushing the extraction site because this can dislodge the clot and delay the healing process. In addition, try to eat soft foods to prevent food from getting stuck in the socket.
You should also limit your activities for the first 24 hours. Rest at least eight hours a day, avoiding activities that could aggravate the bleeding. Be sure to keep your head elevated during this time. Drink plenty of liquids and soft foods. Avoid brushing around the extraction site and don’t use toothpaste, since it can dislodge the blood clot. Rinse your mouth regularly with water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.
When can I eat solid food after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you should avoid hard or crunchy food. These can get stuck in the wound and cause problems during healing and infection. Instead, stick to liquids and soft foods. Soup is often preferred over solid foods. Make sure that the soup does not have any hard pieces, as they can interfere with the stitches. Cold foods can also help you get through the pain and discomfort after a tooth extraction.
Once the site of the extraction is closed, you can gradually return to solid foods. This should not be difficult or require too much strength. Try mashed potatoes or oatmeal, which are soft and can provide calories and nutrients. Avoid hot or spicy foods, as these can cause irritation. Also, opt for eggs, as they contain lots of nutrients and vitamins. Be sure to choose pasteurized eggs, as these contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help heal the wound.
Before eating solid food after tooth extraction, make sure that you are fully recovered from your procedure. The recovery period after this procedure is usually about seven days. If you are planning on eating solid foods after tooth extraction, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up on healthy soups and broths. Vegetable, chicken, and beef broth are all good choices. Blend the soup before eating to avoid solid pieces and still preserve the flavor.
How do I know if nerve damage is healing?
It’s important to understand that nerve damage can be uncomfortable. Symptoms can range from a slight tingling or numbness to a complete loss of taste. More severe damage can lead to pain or even a burning sensation. Your dentist can help you manage your symptoms, including taking anti-inflammatory medications.
If your nerve is intact, it’s likely to heal on its own. However, if your nerve has been severed or damaged, it’s likely that it won’t heal on its own. In such cases, a doctor may attempt to repair the nerve.
You can also apply ice packs to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medications. It’s also important to drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, or hot drinks. Also, avoid sucking on a straw, as this may dislodge blood clots in the socket.
Besides the numbness that comes from swelling after a tooth extraction, you can also expect tingling or loss of feeling around your nerves. If you’re experiencing numbness or pain in your lips or chin, you may have experienced some nerve damage. Luckily, this is usually temporary and will heal on its own.