An exposed tooth nerve occurs when dental conditions expose tooth roots containing sensitive nerve tissue, though it represents a symptom rather than a standalone condition.
What Are the Four Types of Teeth?
Incisors cut food; canines tear; molars grind; premolars crush. Wisdom teeth serve little modern purpose and are often extracted preventatively.
How Is the Tooth Structured?
Teeth comprise root (two-thirds of tooth length), neck (boundary between root and crown), and crown (visible portion). The root contains nerves and blood vessels supplying nutrients.
What Is an Exposed Tooth Nerve?
An exposed tooth nerve occurs when dental conditions expose tooth roots containing sensitive nerve tissue, though it represents a symptom rather than a standalone condition.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Exposed Tooth Nerve?
Visual elongation of teeth, gum damage (swelling/redness), and heightened pain/sensitivity indicate potential exposure.
What Causes an Exposed Tooth Nerve?
Physical trauma (falls account for 65% of cases), tooth decay (affecting 90% of U.S. adults), gum recession, teeth misalignment, and dental anomalies from surgery or genetics.
How Do You Treat Exposed Tooth Nerve?
Prevention through proper hygiene, gum grafting, scaling/planing for gum disease, cavity fillings or root canals for decay, and orthodontic correction for misalignment.
Tips to Prevent Exposed Tooth Nerve
Regular brushing/flossing, avoiding sugary foods, quitting smoking, and protective dental practices reduce risk significantly.
What To Do Next
If you suspect an exposed tooth nerve, schedule a dental appointment promptly for evaluation and treatment.
Tooth NerveDental PainTooth SensitivityDental Emergency