What is a hot tooth and how to treat it?

hot tooth

Dental problems can occur to people of any age, and it should not be taken lightly. If you are practicing good oral hygiene practices and a regular visit to the dentist, you can relatively prevent the problems easily. However, you should wait to consult your dentist while facing any type of tooth pain. 

Here we are focusing on one of the serious dental problems called ‘hot tooth’.

What is a hot tooth?

The term ‘hot tooth’ refers to a condition of the inflamed tooth pulp. It can occur due to extensive tooth decay, gum disease, or leaking old filling. The hot tooth is irreversible pulpitis, pointing to spontaneous severe, or moderate pain. Sometimes the hot tooth pain is unbearable, and a patient visits a dentist clinic in an emergency. 

The hot tooth syndrome develops when the pulp’s chronic inflammation progresses into an acute flare-up. During this acute pulp infection, the blood vessels dilate their permeability, enabling the plasma proteins to escape the blood and enter into the connective tissue spaces outside the capillaries. This results in edema and intensified pressure on the nerve fibers. As a result, the discomfort and pain of the affected area start. The hot tooth’s impact is more visible if the tooth has an amalgam (silver) or gold restoration as the metals are good thermal conductors. 

The most common sites of hot tooth occurrence include:

  • Primary and permanent teeth 
  • Sites of recent or defective restorations
  • Sites of recent trauma

Symptoms of hot tooth

A hot tooth generally occurs because of the infection, and it shows the following symptoms along with a moderate to severe pain:

  • Tooth sensitivity (to hot and cold food)
  • Toothache
  • Sensitivity to sweet food
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling on the site
  • Bad breath
  • Fever (if the inflammation is severe)
  • Bad taste in the mouth

Causes of hot tooth

Enamel and dentin layers protect the pulp from any infection. When the protective layers are damaged, the bacteria get into the pulp, causing the condition (hot tooth). As the pulp resides trapped inside the tooth’s walls, the swelling causes pressure, pain, and infection.

The layers (enamel and dentin) can be damaged by varied conditions such as:

  • Tooth decay or cavities
  • Fractured tooth 
  • Tooth or facial injury

Besides, prolonged poor oral hygiene may cause major dental problems, including a hot tooth. 

What are the tactics to numb the hot tooth?

If you experience any kind of a pain in the tooth, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. In the case of a hot tooth, home remedies will not work; make an appointment with a dental clinic.

Depending upon the cause and severity of the hot tooth, the dentist will initiate the treatment. Besides, the treatment may vary from anti-inflammatory drugs to local anesthesia (depending on the condition of the tooth). Sometimes, the tooth needs to be removed to prevent the nearby teeth or gum tissues’ infection. But, you must consult a dentist while seeking the treatment to numb the hot tooth pain. The dentist will use her expertise to provide you the best treatment to get rid of a hot tooth. 

At TruCare dentistry, we have an expert team that can provide you the best possible treatment for the hot tooth. We clinically investigate the site, find out the cause, and then deliver the treatment to make you relief from the pain.

Apart from this, we are one of the recognized dentistry in Roswell, GA. Whether you want to get a routine check-up or to find treatment for severe dental problems, we can help. We are one of the most reputable dental clinics in Roswell, GA. From Alpharetta, Dunwoody, and Marietta to Milton, Sandy Springs, and Woodstock. Schedule an appointment today to prevent all types of dental issues that may cause you to suffer from pain!

FAQs

How do you calm a hot tooth?

To calm a hot tooth, it is advisable to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the hot tooth, the dentist will either give anti-inflammatory drugs or local anesthesia to treat the issue. 

What kind of injection is given for a hot tooth?

Your dentist might apply dental local anesthesia to numb the affected area of your mouth. Before performing a certain procedure, the dentist will inject medicine, also known as a local anesthetic into your inner cheek or gum. 

Can a hot tooth be numbed?

In the case of a hot tooth, it’s not actually the tooth but the nerves that cause a lot of pain. The nerves are usually difficult to numb as they become overly excited and require more anesthetic than usual. Besides, the nerves can develop additional pain receptors. Even the smallest thing can send a lot of pain.

Is a hot tooth painful?

Yes, a hot tooth is generally a very painful tooth. It is also difficult for the dentist to fully numb the tooth. Depending on the severity of your tooth condition, the dentist may suggest tooth removal or root canal treatment. More antibiotics may be required to control the pain. The dentist may also prescribe pain medications after performing a procedure.