Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
An exposed nerve in a tooth can cause sudden, intense pain. It often happens after a tooth breaks, cracks, or develops deep decay. Knowing what this means and how it is treated can help you act quickly and protect the tooth.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Table of Contents
Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
When the Inner Tooth Structure is Exposed
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels and is normally protected by the outer layers of enamel and dentin. When those outer layers are damaged, the inner tissue can become exposed.
This may happen because of:
- A crack or fracture caused by dental trauma
- Advanced tooth decay
- A large failing filling
- Severe enamel wear
Once the inner tissue is no longer protected, it becomes sensitive to bacteria, temperature changes, and pressure. This often leads to inflammation and significant pain.
Symptoms of an Exposed Nerve
Pain is the most common sign. The intensity can range from sharp sensitivity to constant throbbing discomfort.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Spontaneous pain without stimulation
- Swelling around the tooth
- A visible crack or missing portion of tooth structure
If bacteria enter the pulp, infection may develop. This can lead to increased pressure, worsening pain, and possible abscess formation.
Can an Exposed Tooth Nerve Heal on Its Own?
An exposed nerve in a tooth will not heal without professional treatment. Once the pulp becomes exposed and infected, the body cannot regenerate the lost protective layers.
Temporary reduction in pain does not mean the problem has resolved. In some cases, pain decreases because the nerve tissue begins to die, which can allow infection to spread deeper into surrounding bone. Prompt evaluation reduces the risk of complications.
How We Treat an Exposed Nerve
Treatment depends on the extent of damage and whether infection is present. Early intervention may allow more conservative care.
Protective Restoration
If exposure is minimal and the pulp remains healthy, your dentist may place a protective material over the area and restore the tooth with a filling or crown.
Root Canal Therapy
If the pulp is inflamed or infected, a root canal or pulpotomy is often necessary. During this procedure:
- The infected pulp tissue is removed
- The inner canal space is disinfected
- The canal is sealed
- The tooth is restored, typically with a crown
Root canal therapy eliminates infection while preserving the outer structure of the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is severely fractured below the gumline or cannot be restored, extraction may be required.
Protect Your Tooth and Prevent Further Damage
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, book an appointment at Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics in Denver or at the location nearest you. For our Denver location, call (303) 825-2295 or visit us at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204.
Other locations:
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
How do I relieve pain from an exposed nerve in my tooth?
You can reduce discomfort temporarily by avoiding chewing on that side, rinsing with warm salt water, and taking over the counter pain medication as directed. Avoid very hot or cold foods. These steps may ease symptoms, but professional treatment is needed to address the cause.
What does an exposed nerve in a tooth look like?
In most cases, you will not actually see the nerve itself. You may notice a deep hole, a dark area from decay, or a visible crack or broken portion of the tooth. A dental exam and imaging are needed to confirm whether the inner tissue is exposed.
