Can a damaged nerve recover and repair itself? - Dental Health Message Board

Terry Florida · 07-30-2005, 11:28 AM

Last Friday I bit down and felt a bit of pain shoot through my upper tooth. It was ok until Sunday when it became very sensitive to cold and hot. It was really paining me, so the dentist said it was a cracked tooth and the nerve was dying. He gave me anti-biotics and pain pills with a root canal scheduled for Tuesday next week. Since yesterday, Friday and today Saturday, it has been feeling very little pain with no pain pills. Does anyone know if my tooth could have gotten any better on its own, and maybe I don't need the root canal after all? I was able to chew some gum on that side with very small sensations of almost pain. Thanks for any help or info you can give!

Warah · 07-30-2005, 01:43 PM

When a crack is present in a tooth biting down (especially on something hard/crunchy) will force the crack open, kinda like splitting a log. When the crack opens you feel the sensation (shock). Ultimately, however, microscopic bacteria leak into the crack and can affect the nerve. Most likely, your dentist will do vitality test prior to doing a root canal. A lot of times cracked teeth just need to get crowned.

chatty8484 · 07-30-2005, 07:43 PM

What is a vitality test?
Thanks

chatty

Cinemagic · 07-31-2005, 08:02 PM

It will not get better on its own. If the crack has extended to the nerve, a root canal will be necessary.

chatty8484 · 07-31-2005, 09:24 PM

Thanks for filling me in.

chatty