Many people think a visit to the dentist can be scary. But the situation can become even more challenging when you get back home from a dental visit, feeling more pain than expected, if you’re thinking, “What happens if a dentist hits a nerve and What is recovery time and treatment?” You’re not alone. Nerve pain in the mouth can be sharp, abrupt, and painful. It may even make it difficult to eat or speak.
Eventually, this pain is temporary, but other times it sticks around. So, why does it happen? Is it served? And most significantly, how long will it take to heal? Let’s go over the replies clearly and simply to help you understand what to prepare for and how to deal with it.
What Happens When the Dentist Hits a Nerve?
When your dentist hits a nerve, it typically means they got too near a nerve while drilling, filling, or giving you a shot. Further, it can happen during root canal treatment or tooth extractions. Your teeth and gums may never have been, and they are quite sensitive. Thus, even a little touch may produce an intense reaction.
Sometimes, it’s just a pinch that goes away in a day or two. In other instances, there could be nerve damage from the dentist, which might take longer to heal. You may experience pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in your cheek, lips, tongue, or jaw.
What Does Dental Nerve Pain Feel Like?
Dental nerve pain is usually sharp and feels deeper than a normal dental ache. It might feel like an electric shock. Some people say the pain comes and goes, while others sense constant aches and pain. This pain can happen right after the therapy or appear a few days later.
If you’re experiencing nerve pain after a filling, your tooth may be more sensitive to hot or cold food. Even breathing in cold air could make it hurt. This type of pain and ache can also feel like a toothache or nerve issue, which is difficult to disregard.
How Long Does It Take for the Nerve to Heal?
The recovery time depends on how the nerve was touched or hurt. In some situations, tooth nerve healing might only take a few days to a week. You might notice a slight pain or irritation, but it improves with time throughout the day.
Even so, if the dentist caused nerve damage, it could take weeks or months for the area to fully recover. Very rarely, the nerve may not entirely recover. It’s important to pay attention to your symptoms regarding this.
Your body may have a way of helping your mouth nerve recover, but it requires time. Rest, adequate dental care, and even medicine could speed up the procedure. Still, if you’re not healing, you must seek treatment from a specialist or your dentist.
Why Does Nerve Pain Last So Long?
Nerves don’t repair quickly. That’s simply how the body works. In contrast to muscles or skin, nerves take longer to heal. If you’re feeling long-lasting nerve pain in the jaw or face, the nerve was likely damaged, not just irritated.
Dental inflammation can also play a role. After a dental procedure, your body may react to shield the area. However, this swelling can put pressure on the nerves, making the pain and aches worse.
In certain situations, a dental tool may have come close to the nerve, or the filling may have been too deep. This can cause healing dental nerve pain that lingers, particularly when you bite or chew.
When to Worry About Nerve Damage?
Following a procedure, slight soreness and tingling are normal and usually do not cause panic. However, symptoms that continue or seem to worsen should be constantly tracked.
Indications of possible nerve damage from the dentist include:
- Lips, tongue, or chin discomfort that continues for more than a few days.
- Tingling or burning that doesn’t end.
- Pain and ache that doesn’t increase after a week or two.
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or talking due to discomfort.
If you have any of these indications, it’s time to consult your dentist. They might send you to a specialist for nerve checking or further attention.
How to Help with Dental Nerve Healing?
While you wait for your tooth nerve to heal, you can do things at home to relieve the pain. Taking over-the-counter pain medicine, which includes ibuprofen, can lessen inflammation. Using warm salt water washes may also help soothe painful areas.
Avoid extremely cold or hot foods; don’t chew on the side that hurts. You might also try soft meals to prevent excessive pressure on your teeth. Brushing and flossing thoroughly is still important, but be careful around the painful area.
Some people also find relief from nerve pain in the jaw with ice packs or warm compresses. Just be careful not to press too harshly, and then cover it with a cloth.
Dealing with Nerve Pain After a Filling
Nerve pain after a filling is one of the most common complaints after a dental consultation. This usually occurs when the filling is too close to the nerve or placed too high. The pressure from the bite can irritate the nerve, causing soreness.
Your dentist can frequently fix the problem by adjusting the filling. If the nerve has been seriously injured, you may need a root canal if the pain continues. Don’t worry. Most of the time, minor adjustments will be enough, and your tooth will feel normal again soon.
Can Nerve Damage Be Permanent?
Most of the time, dental injury recovery is the end. But in rare situations, nerve damage might be enduring. If the nerve is crushed or cut during a procedure, it might not recover fully. This is uncommon but can occur, particularly with wisdom tooth removal or deep injections.
If this occurs, a dental specialist, like a neurologist or oral surgeon, can help. They may suggest medication, physical therapy, or, in some instances, surgery. Even now, for most people, a healing dental nerve ache goes away with time and care.
Why Choose Dietrich and Kelso Orthodontist to help with Dental Nerve Healing?
We are dedicated to delivering splendid dental care to families at Dietrich and Kelso Orthodontist, serving patients of all ages. During your first visit, we will discuss your smile goals. If you are ready for treatment, we will use clear aligners or braces to transform your smile.
Our expert dentists actively work to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes. The whole team at Dietrich and Kelso Orthodontist is trained in modern dental procedures and techniques, ensuring that our patients benefit from the latest advancements in dental care.
Final Thoughts
In summary, if you’ve been saying, “My dentist hit a nerve, how long to get better?” the good news is that most people recover in a few days to a couple of weeks. But if the pain sticks around or feels unusual, don’t wait. Visit back to your dentist and ask questions.
Your teeth and nerves are significant, and pain should never be ignored. Whether it’s dental nerve pain, nerve pain after a filling, or a more severe toothache nerve issue, recovery is possible with the right care and support.
Always stay informed, follow your dentist’s suggestions, and be patient with the mouth nerve recovery procedure. Your smile will thank you in the end.