Pain usually ensues upon the encroachment of bacteria through the protective layers of the tooth to the inside. Following invasion a period may be once again ‘pain free’ as the nerve, blood vessels and tooth contents become necrotic or die off and turn to ‘mush/ rot’. As the bacterial load harbored within the tooth multiplies, pressure is created and an attempt is made to find a path of escape. If the same path upon which it entered still exists in the top of the tooth pressure may not build to any extent and still no perception of something going on. If the pressure build up is relatively sealed at the top, an alternative path of escape is sought via the bottom or tooth root and an abscess is created. This pressure build up of bacteria can be very painful and also dangerous travelling the path of least resistance. Once escape is achieved, again things may be ‘pain-free’; however the source still remains of harbored bacteria.
As pain fluctuates throughout this process, it is important to not use pain as your guide for a perceived problem. Consult us. Pain or sensitivity alone may not necessarily be an indicator of resultant damage and thus a problem per se. Pain can also be induced when a tooth is subjected to anything in excess. Most commonly these are bacteria (acids) and force. Often if we control what a tooth is being subjected to, the resultant pain can be dissipated or eliminated before limits or thresholds are exceeded and damage ensues.
