A throbbing tooth after an injury can be both painful and alarming. Whether it’s from a recent fall, a sports-related accident, or even biting down too hard, this type of tooth pain often raises more questions than answers. Understanding why your tooth hurts and what steps you need to take can help you find relief and prevent further complications. This article will explore the potential causes of throbbing tooth pain after an injury and what you can do about it.

What causes tooth throbbing after an injury?

When you injure a tooth, it’s not always clear what’s happening beneath the surface. The throbbing pain can stem from various causes:

  • Trauma to the Tooth or Gums: An impact can cause bruising or inflammation, leading to throbbing as your body responds.
  • Cracked or Fractured Tooth: Even a tiny crack can irritate surrounding tissues, resulting in pain.
  • Dislodged Tooth: A loose tooth can cause significant discomfort as it moves and presses against nearby tissues.
  • Infection Risk: Bacteria entering the tooth from trauma can lead to infection and throbbing.
  • Blood Flow Changes: Impact can disrupt normal blood flow, increasing pressure and causing a throbbing sensation.

Can tooth sensitivity lead to throbbing pain?

Tooth sensitivity can be mistaken for throbbing pain after an injury. Here’s how it contributes to throbbing pain:

  • Exposed Nerves: Damaged enamel exposes nerves, making them more sensitive to touch, temperature, and air.
  • Receding Gums: Gum recession from injury exposes sensitive tooth roots, causing sharp pain.
  • Pressure Sensitivity: Chewing or biting can aggravate exposed nerves, worsening pain.
  • Cold and Heat Sensitivity: Hot or cold foods can cause throbbing pain if the tooth is sensitive due to injury or wear.

What happens to your tooth after impact or injury?

When a tooth is impacted, several things may happen inside your mouth:

  • Internal Bleeding: Injury can rupture blood vessels, causing inflammation and throbbing pain.
  • Tooth Structure Damage: Impact may crack the enamel, dentin, or even the pulp, resulting in discomfort.
  • Tooth Mobility: The tooth might loosen, creating instability and increased pain.
  • Displacement of the Tooth: A severe impact could cause the tooth to misalign or become dislodged, leading to ongoing pain and sensitivity.

X-ray showing tooth throbbing due to injury, highlighting signs of dental pain and discomfort.

Is the pain indicative of nerve damage or pulp damage?

When a tooth is injured, nerve and pulp damage can cause throbbing pain. Here’s how to recognise if nerve damage is the cause:

  • Sharp, Intense Pain: A sharp, shooting pain that doesn’t go away, especially when chewing.
  • Lingering Sensitivity: Prolonged pain after exposure to cold or heat.
  • Discolouration: The tooth may darken, indicating pulp damage.
  • Severe Toothache: Persistent, throbbing pain that won’t subside without treatment.

What should you do if your tooth is throbbing after an injury?

To effectively treat a dental injury like throbbing tooth pain, prompt action is crucial. Here’s what you can do:

  • Apply a Cold Compress: A cold compress can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply it to the outside of your mouth near the injured tooth for 10-15 minutes at a time.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions carefully.
  • Avoid Touching or Biting Down on the Tooth: Try to avoid putting any pressure on the affected tooth. Eating soft foods and avoiding hot or cold drinks can help reduce irritation.
  • Rinse with Salt Water: A warm salt water rinse can help soothe the area, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria that could be causing infection.

Woman applying an ice pack to her cheek to relieve tooth throbbing pain after an injury.

When should you see a dentist for throbbing tooth pain?

Throbbing tooth pain after an injury is a sign that you should consult a dentist as soon as possible. Here’s when to seek help:

  • Pain Persists for More Than a Day: If the throbbing pain continues for more than 24 hours despite taking over-the-counter pain relief, it’s time to see a dentist. Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to assess your dental health and help identify potential issues before they become serious concerns.
  • Visible Damage to the Tooth: If you notice cracks, chips, or discolouration in the tooth, it’s essential to have it assessed by a dental professional.
  • Signs of Infection: If there’s swelling, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth, these could be signs of infection that need immediate attention.
  • Difficulty Chewing or Biting: Suppose it’s difficult to chew or bite down on the affected tooth. In that case, you should seek professional care to prevent further damage.

How can emergency dental care help with throbbing tooth pain?

24/7 emergency dental care plays a crucial role in managing throbbing tooth pain. If you’re experiencing this type of discomfort, a dentist can assist in the following ways:

 

  • Quickly Relieve Pain: A dentist can provide fast-acting pain relief to help alleviate the throbbing sensation, offering immediate comfort while addressing the underlying issue.
  • Diagnose the Underlying Cause: The dentist will assess your condition through X-rays and clinical examinations to identify the root cause of the pain and suggest the most effective treatment options.
  • Prevent Further Damage: The dentist can help prevent the problem from worsening by addressing it promptly, such as repairing cracks or performing procedures like root canals.
  • Provide Ongoing Care: In some cases, follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure your long-term oral health.

Can throbbing tooth pain lead to long-term issues?

If left untreated, throbbing tooth pain can lead to long-term complications such as:

  1. Chronic Infection
  2. Untreated dental abscesses or infections can spread, causing severe oral health problems.
  3. Tooth Loss
  4. Prolonged nerve or pulp damage can lead to the need for extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
  5. Sinus Problems
  6. Severe dental infections can spread to the sinuses, causing pain and discomfort beyond your mouth.

Need Emergency Dental Care?

If your tooth is throbbing after an injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Blue Mountains Dental & Implant Centre is here to provide you with immediate care and relief. Our experienced team is ready to help you manage your pain and get your oral health back on track. Book an appointment at Blue Mountains Dental & Implant Centre today!