Really annoying toothache, any ideas?

**CrystalChord** · 02-22-2011 06:48 PM

In the autumn of 2007, I ended up getting smacked in the mouth with the butt of a Nerf Gun (We were playing a rather energetic game and it was an accident). Needless to say I now have a mildly gray tooth.

Once in a while it will act up, usually with very cold or very hot things. Today, however, it has been flaring up quite constantly, little annoying throbs of pain. I can't find anything that could be bothering it. It was very cold when I was going to classes today (about 20 degrees farenheit, with lower windchills), and because I'm quite out of shape I do have to breathe through my mouth. But there have been even colder days where it has not affected me.

I'm not quite sure what to make of the situation. Of course, idiot that I am, I'm thinking of the most serious of issues. Brain aneurysms of course, though I have no IDEA how that could even be possible. I just remember my roommate mentioning a story about some guy who said all his teeth hurt before passing out from an aneurysm rupturing.

It's been hurting all bloody day, though, so I'd like to believe that's impossible.

Perhaps someone could enlighten me, please, on what may be going on?

**ItsASecret** · 02-23-2011 12:21 AM

Of course, idiot that I am, I'm thinking of the most serious of issues. Brain aneurysms of course, though I have no IDEA how that could even be possible.

You Googled something called brain aneurysm at some point in your life and now that sticks with you with any 'diagnosis' you believe can be attributed to you. That is how you got the idea it could be possible. Hun, it will not happen with any lump bump bruise cut scrape scab tug push pull of your body in your average daily life.

Perhaps someone could enlighten me, please, on what may be going on?

Tooth aches are probably one of the most annoying and painful things that can happen to anyone on just an average day. They suck. The sensitivity you mention is more likely because of gum tissues like plaque build up causing sensitivity, or even tooth decay leading to the possible exposed nerves and high sensitivity. All you can really do is take a good pain killer. I take Advil for all of my pains due to the anti-inflammatory aspect. You can bring it up with your dentist, they will check it out and likely recommend something as simple as a different toothpaste to help calm down the sensitivity-Sensodyne I know is recommended.

**jessie1234** · 02-23-2011 09:02 AM

maybe go see a dentist? it sounds like this has been going on for a long time...

**KaytiC** · 02-25-2011 08:07 AM

Here are some general questions a GOOD dentist will ask:

Does the pain keep you awake, prevent you from functioning normally in your day? How long does the pain last after the tooth is exposed to the cold/hot? You mentioned your tooth throbs, how long does that last?

I work at a dental office so I know some signs of different things. With sensitivity to cold/hot, and your tooth throbbing with past trauma to the tooth you are most likely looking at an abscess that has decided to form. It can take years for the nerve in a tooth to decide to dye from past trauma. I would go to a dentist as soon as you are able to, I have seen patients wait and that runs the risk of having the infection "blow up." Basically your face near the infection will swell, the infection runs the risk of entering your blood stream and causing problems throughout your body, and you will be in a lot of pain.

This is worst case scenario, but I don't like anyone brushing serious issues off when it has the potential to harm them in some way.

**aamerabbas** · 03-07-2011 05:54 PM

Before making any assumptions or waiting for before it gets worse you need to see a general dentist,

**Claret** · 03-16-2011 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by KaytiC

Here are some general questions a GOOD dentist will ask:

Does the pain keep you awake, prevent you from functioning normally in your day? How long does the pain last after the tooth is exposed to the cold/hot? You mentioned your tooth throbs, how long does that last?

I work at a dental office so I know some signs of different things. With sensitivity to cold/hot, and your tooth throbbing with past trauma to the tooth you are most likely looking at an abscess that has decided to form. It can take years for the nerve in a tooth to decide to dye from past trauma. I would go to a dentist as soon as you are able to, I have seen patients wait and that runs the risk of having the infection "blow up." Basically your face near the infection will swell, the infection runs the risk of entering your blood stream and causing problems throughout your body, and you will be in a lot of pain.

This is worst case scenario, but I don't like anyone brushing serious issues off when it has the potential to harm them in some way.

Yes, and then the treatment options are root canals. I've recently had two root canals performed on two teeth that had no cavities and no obvious traumas. But the Dentist did question whether or not I had injured the area previously and she stated that the trauma could have been years and years ago.

My suggestion would be to get to a dentist, have a couple of x-rays and see if there are any cysts at the base of the tooth.