Teeth are occasionally (and mysteriously) sensitive. When that sensitivity is recurring, seems to be centered on a particular tooth, and is worse when biting down, you need to schedule an urgent appointment with your dentist. Your dental pulp may be in need of some assistance.
The Tooth's Nerve
Dental pulp is the tooth's nerve. The tooth's outer coating is made of ultra-strong, mineral-rich dental enamel. Beneath the enamel is dentin—and most of a tooth is in fact made of this dentin. Inside the dentin is the pulp chamber, and this is where the tooth's only living tissue is found. The tooth's nerve contains blood vessels, and it's the only part of your tooth capable of registering a physical sensation—even an unpleasant sensation like sensitivity.
Unprotected Dentin
When dental enamel corrodes, the dentin beneath it is unprotected. Dentin isn't as solid as it looks. Under a microscope, you'd see countless tiny canals that lead from the outer dentin to the pulp chamber. These chambers help the tooth regulate its moisture levels and can also deliver nutrients—all part of the tooth's natural functions. But these canals also allow bacteria to reach the pulp, which then becomes inflamed and infected. This condition is known as pulpitis.
Pulp Inflammation
Missing dental enamel (usually due to tooth decay or an accident) can result in harmful bacteria colonizing the tooth's pulp. As it becomes inflamed, it swells and presses against the walls of the pulp chamber. This is exacerbated by occlusal forces (bite pressure), which is fairly logical; you bite down, and the inflamed pulp is further irritated. Your pulp will not recover without intervention, and the required treatment should be administered without too much delay.
Source of Irritation
Even though your pulp is inflamed, and may even be infected, you're unlikely to need antibiotics. Removing the source of irritation (the decay that's permitting bacteria to reach your tooth pulp) should be sufficient. All this means is that the tooth's decay will be removed, and the tooth will receive a filling. Once your pulp is isolated from the irritant, your immune system gets to work, and your pulp should be able to restore itself. Any bite-induced sensitivity will quickly subside.
Untreated pulpitis can escalate, and the dental pulp will eventually become so infected that recovery is impossible. The pulp will actually die and will be considered necrotic. This is when root canal treatment (removal of the necrotic pulp) becomes inevitable. Root canals can often be avoided—if you don't ignore your tooth's sensitivity.
Contact a local dentist to learn more.
Share