Nerve Inflammation (Tooth) – Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

Neuritis (tooth)

Inflammation of the nerves in the tooth is called pulpitis. It is mostly caused by tooth decay (caries dentium, tooth decay).

What is nerve inflammation in the tooth?

We speak of nerve inflammation in the tooth or pulpitis when there is an inflammatory change in the pulp of the tooth. This is the soft interior of the tooth. There are also some sensitive nerves within the pulp of the tooth . Dentists distinguish between simple reversible pulpitis, which can often be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, and chronic inflammation of the tooth nerve, the treatment of which requires root canal treatment or surgery.

causes

Nerve inflammation of the tooth is caused in most cases by tooth decay (tooth decay). This is responsible for around 95 percent of all pulpitis cases. In the case of tooth decay, bacteria penetrate through lesions on the toothdeeper into its structures and hollow it out more and more over time. Inside the tooth there is also a cavity that is filled by soft tissue. There are also nerves and blood vessels. If the harmful bacteria manage to get there, they can cause inflammation. There is a risk that the inflammatory reaction will spread to the root canal. If there is inflammation in the pulp of the tooth, this leads to an increase in pressure, which is noticeable as a toothache. As the tooth nerve inflammation progresses, there is a risk of tissue death. In addition, the inflammation can spread to the jawbone.Another possible cause of nerve inflammation in the tooth is chemical, mechanical or thermal irritation. These are usually caused by dental treatments. In this case, too, there is a risk of bacteria getting inside the tooth and spreading further there. Occasionally, however, an injury can irritate the inside of the tooth. It is not uncommon for heat or the effects of pressure to be considered.

One of the typical signs of tooth nerve inflammation is an increased sensitivity to pain in the affected tooth. This means that the dental nerve is sensitive to foods that taste sour or sweet. The same applies to temperatures such as cold and hot. In the case of acute tooth nerve inflammation, the affected persons often suffer from severe, throbbing pain in the tooth. If the root canal is damaged, this often results in the formation of pus, which leads to an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Bad breath is also within the realm of possibility.

symptoms

Typical symptoms of nerve inflammation in the tooth:

  • increased sensitivity to pain
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth

diagnosis and course

In the case of tooth nerve inflammation, the person affected has no choice but to go to the dentist. He first inquires about his patient’s complaints and then carries out a dental examination. He checks possible abnormalities of the tooth and whether it is sensitive to pain. In order to be able to make a concrete diagnosis, an X-ray examination is often carried out. The dentist has the opportunity to determine the exact extent of the nerve inflammation. Some doctors may also consider performing an endometry. This is the measurement of the inside of the tooth. In severe cases, a blood test may also be required.

When making a diagnosis, the dentist must also pay attention to other causes. In some cases, the pain is caused without involvement of the dental pulp. This could be periodontitis , for example . The course of a nerve inflammation in the tooth depends on whether it is a reversible pulpitis or a more severe form. In the case of reversible nerve inflammation, a reduction in symptoms is quite possible. However, if the inflammation continues, there is a risk of significant damage to the tooth structures. This can even lead to life-threatening sepsis (blood poisoning) if the germs are carried over.

treatment and therapy

The treatment of nerve inflammation of the tooth also depends on its extent. In less severe cases, it is usually sufficient to remove the caries from the tooth. In the case of advanced pulpitis, however, a root canal treatment is often required. The dentist removes the nerve and the focus of inflammation on the one hand and the pulp on the other. He fills the cavity that is created in this way with foreign material.

In complicated cases, a root tip resection must take place in some patients. In this procedure, the dentist removes the root tip of the tooth and the pathological changes. If these therapeutic measures do not improve the symptoms, it is necessary to extract the entire tooth in order to eliminate the nerve inflammation. In severe cases, the inflammation can cause abscesses to form. Patients are then given antibiotics to treat it, which kills the bacteria.

prevention

In order to prevent painful nerve inflammation on the tooth, it is advisable to take care of the teeth consistently. This includes using antibacterial mouthwashes and dental floss to clean the gaps. Don’t forget regular check-ups at the dentist. 

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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