How to deal with toothache from cavities?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Cavity toothache occurs when bacteria infect the hard tissue of the tooth, approaching or reaching the dental nerve, causing a pain response from the nerve, which is also a self-protective reaction. Initial treatment for cavity toothache involves using a drill to remove the decayed hard tissue of the tooth. If the decay is completely removed and the dental nerve is not exposed, this condition can be directly treated by filling or using a pulp-capping agent to protect the nerve before filling. If, after removing the decay, the dental nerve is exposed or reached, the situation cannot be resolved with a direct and immediate filling. Instead, nerve-killing procedures are necessary, which involve root canal treatment of the tooth.

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How to treat cavities in 3-year-old children?

If a three-year-old child has cavities, it is necessary to go to the pediatric dentistry department promptly for cavity removal treatment. Depending on the severity of the child's cavities, if it is severe, the child may need to have teeth extracted. If it is mild, the child will need to have fillings. It is important to pay attention to the dental care of the child. Make sure the child brushes their teeth morning and evening, rinses their mouth after meals, avoids drinking carbonated beverages, eats fresh vegetables and fruits, and drinks formula milk to enhance nutrition.

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How to perform pulp drainage for dental caries?

Pulpotomy and drainage for caries involve a treatment method for acute pulpitis or apical periodontitis caused by infected dental nerves. Teeth are composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissue. The pulp tissue, also known as the dental nerve, is located within the innermost part of the tooth, surrounded by the hard layers of dentin and cementum. Therefore, once the dental nerve becomes inflamed, the pressure within the pulp chamber rapidly increases. To alleviate the pain, it is necessary to release this pressure, namely by performing a pulpotomy and drainage. This can be done by drilling to remove some of the infected dental tissues, and then opening up the pulp chamber to relieve the pressure, significantly reducing the pain. If the dental nerve is completely purulent and necrotic, the top of the pulp chamber can be removed, followed by thorough pulpotomy and drainage.

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Written by Wang Peng
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Can cavities be transmitted to other people?

Cavities are not contagious to other people. Cavities themselves are not considered a contagious disease. The development of this condition is a long-term and complex process, not merely caused by the transmission of pathogens. Initially, there are some pits and fissures on a patient's teeth which are easily attacked by acidic substances produced by bacteria, leading to the demineralization of calcium in the enamel, thereby softening and collapsing the enamel. If a patient frequently consumes sweet foods and neglects oral hygiene, not brushing or rinsing thoroughly, it could lead to bacteria decomposing these sweet food residues, continually damaging the patient’s teeth and resulting in cavities.

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Can children's dental caries be treated with fluoride application?

Children's dental caries are greatly related to fluoride deficiency, so fluoride application is a very important method to prevent dental caries. It is generally recommended that children have their teeth fluoridated once every 1-2 years, which has a very good effect in preventing dental caries. However, if caries have already occurred, dental treatment is needed. This treatment involves removing the necrotic carious tissue. If the teeth are just affected by decay of the dentin or enamel, then the necrotic dental tissue is removed and repaired. If pulpitis has developed, then root canal treatment is necessary. After treatment, fluoride application can also be performed to prevent further decay of the teeth.

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What should I do about permanent tooth decay?

Permanent tooth decay refers to the decay that occurs in children's newly emerged permanent teeth or already replaced permanent teeth. Once decay occurs in a permanent tooth, it is necessary to fill the tooth as soon as possible. Decay is removed by drilling out the decayed hard tissue of the tooth. After removal, direct pulp capping treatment for the tooth is performed. If the decay in the permanent tooth is deep and has reached the tooth nerve, pulp treatment is needed. Vital pulpotomy can be used to retain the root pulp of the root part to promote further development of the tooth root. If the apex of the root has already formed in the permanent tooth and decay occurs, and the tooth nerve cannot be preserved, we can directly proceed with root canal treatment.