Tooth inflammation - unbearable pain

Tooth inflammation - unbearable pain

On 20 January 202025 June 2024In Preventive Dentistry

Inflammation of the tooth, or more precisely inflammation of the tooth pulp, is associated not only with severe pain, but also with the possibility of an abscess and, as a consequence, even the need to extract the affected tooth. But that is not all! An untreated infection can cause much more serious consequences such as sepsis and even myocarditis. Where does tooth inflammation come from, when is it worth going to the dentist and what is the treatment?

Dental pulpitis, which is actually what?

The pulp is the innermost structure of the tooth, and is highly innervated and circulated. Therefore, inflammation of the tooth is associated with severe and increasing pain.

The pulp has a very important function - it ensures that the tooth is properly oxygenated and receives all the necessary nutrients. When bacteria enter the pulp, an infection develops which causes the tooth to become inflamed.

The image shows dental instruments and a cross-section of a human tooth under magnification. On the left, we see a set of metal dental instruments placed in a transparent vessel. On the right is an anatomical model of a tooth, showing the different layers of dentin and the root canal filled in red. The illustration is educational and presents two perspectives related to dental treatment - the tools used by dentists and the anatomical structure of the tooth.

Dental inflammation - causes

The most common cause of pulpitis is untreated caries, when bacteria penetrate deep into the tooth and cause an infection. It can also be caused by an improperly placed filling. In this situation, it is almost impossible to remove food residues that get under the filling.

But these are not the only causes. Inflammation of the tooth can also be caused by mechanical damage, such as grinding the tooth or breaking it. In the latter case, if the pulp is exposed, the infection can appear within two days.

The painting depicts a middle-aged man holding his cheek. His eyes are closed and he has a concentrated, slightly wry expression, which may suggest that he is experiencing toothache or dental problems. The man has short, fair hair and a pale complexion. Blurred windows and a white wall can be seen in the background.

Unbearable pain - symptoms of pulpitis

When a tooth is inflamed, the initial pain is not severe. It most often occurs when drinking and eating warm drinks and foods. In this situation, treatment is much simpler and quicker, as the infection is only in its early stages.

If you do not visit the dentist right away, it will be much worse. Untreated tooth inflammation means severe pain, which often occurs not only when eating and drinking, but also when lying down. In addition, there may be pain throughout the jaw and fever. At this stage, irreversible changes to the tooth may occur and the entire pulp may have to be removed.

The final stage of untreated dental inflammation is pulp necrosis, which manifests itself in severe pain when biting and touching, as well as swelling. In addition, an abscess may develop and this is associated with serious health consequences.

Read more about this in our article "Decayed teeth a danger to the health of the whole body".

Important! Sometimes tooth inflammation is not associated with pain and is almost asymptomatic, so remember to visit your dentist regularly.

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Dental inflammation - treatment

The most important thing - is to visit your dentist regularly. If the last time you went to the dentist was more than six months ago, it is essential to Call us. Systematic check-ups will allow you to avoid pain, as possible infections will be detected at an early stage. It is also much cheaper than several months of treatment.

If you are already struggling with dental inflammation, one of the symptoms listed above, also make an appointment as soon as possible.

If the inflammation of the tooth is at an early stage, it is only necessary to remove the decay and fill the cavities. It may be necessary to place special dressings, which are removed when the pain subsides. Only then does the dentist refill the cavities.

In the case of advanced infection, root canal treatment or even removal of the tooth is necessary.

The photograph shows a man wearing a white doctor's apron and a protective mask over his face, standing at a dental chair with dental equipment in the background. The doctor is presumably a dentist preparing to perform a procedure.

£32 for tooth treatment in the UK

Many people postpone visiting the dentist for financial reasons. If you are in this group, we have good information for you - in our office, you can arrange dental treatment in instalments. What is important, up to 12 months they have zero interest rate.

Suppose your dentist has diagnosed you with an inflammation of one of your back teeth (molars). The infection is now advanced enough to involve root canal treatment. Its cost, including a large composite filling, is £470. Thanks to the instalment scheme, you don't have to pay the whole amount at once and the treatment will cost you just over £39 a month.

If you are interested in this solution more information can be found in our article "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase" or call us, we will be happy to answer all your questions.

The painting depicts a young woman sitting at a dentist's table. She has a sad, pained expression on her face and holds her hand to her cheek. In front of her are dental instruments such as a jaw for learning teeth and a small blue bowl. The woman is wearing a denim jacket and her hair is short and light brown. The scene suggests that the woman is experiencing discomfort or pain from dental treatment.

 Consequences of untreated pulpitis

Quite a few people underestimate the initial phase of pulpitis because the tooth does not hurt all the time. This is a very big mistake that can cost you not only the loss of a tooth, but can also have serious consequences. Pulp necrosis can lead not only to the aforementioned abscess, but also to periostitis, fistula formation and even sepsis and myocarditis.

Therefore, if the first pain appears, do not delay and as soon as possible make an appointment.