Causes And Treatment For Toothaches Underneath Dental Veneers

Causes and Treatment of Toothaches Under Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular and effective way to improve the appearance of teeth. However, occasionally patients experience toothaches underneath their veneers. There are several potential causes of pain under veneers which require different treatments to resolve.

Common Causes of Toothaches Under Veneers

A variety of issues can result in tooth pain beneath veneers. These include:

• Tooth decay
• Cracked or damaged veneer
• Infection under the veneer
• Irritation of the nerve
• Exposed tooth due to gum recession

Dentists can determine the exact cause of a toothache under a veneer through dental exams, x-rays, and testing for sensitivity. Once the source of pain is found, appropriate treatment is recommended.

Treating Decay Underneath Veneers

Tooth decay underneath a veneer can cause severe pain. Decay occurs when bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel. If decay reaches the dentin and pulp beneath the enamel, inflammation and infection causes throbbing pain.

Treating decay under a veneer first involves removing part or all of the veneer to access the decayed area. The decay must be fully removed and the tooth treated with a filling, crown, or possibly a root canal to resolve infection and inflammation. Then a new veneer can be placed to restore appearance.

Repairing or Replacing Damaged Veneers

Cracks or fractures in veneers allow bacteria to enter underneath and irritate the tooth. Damaged veneers must be repaired or replaced to alleviate pain and prevent decay.

Minor veneer damage can sometimes be repaired using bonding material. More extensive cracks require replacement of the veneer. Impressions and temporaries preserve the tooth while lab technicians fabricate an identical new veneer.

Treating Infection Underneath Veneers

Bacteria can become trapped underneath veneers, causing infection and abscesses in the root which are extremely painful. Antibiotics and draining the infection provides temporary relief, but the veneer must be opened or removed to fully eliminate the infection.

The tooth may then require a root canal if the pulp tissue has become infected. Finally a new veneer is placed once the tooth has fully healed from the infection.

Options for Nerve Pain Relief

Nerve irritation or damage underneath a veneer can result in severe sensitivity and pain. Using desensitizing toothpaste or gel inside the veneer may calm nerve pain. However, it often progresses to pulp inflammation requiring a root canal to relieve the constant pain.

Treatment if Gums Recede Under Veneers

Gum recession over time can expose vulnerable tooth areas underneath veneers, leading to pain and sensitivity. Gum grafting surgery restores lost gum tissue and protects the roots.

New veneers may need placement after gum grafting. Better oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can also prevent gum recession and associated veneer complications.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Toothaches Under Veneers

While veneers can't always prevent issues like gum recession, taking good care of veneers and oral health allows them to function better long-term and reduces some risks of pain under veneers.

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

Strict and consistent oral hygiene is vital for keeping teeth and gums healthy under veneers. Thoroughly brushing and flossing removes decay- and disease-causing plaque. This reduces potential for tooth decay, sensitivity, infection, and gum recession underneath veneers.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Even with good oral care, tartar buildup or small dental problems can occur under veneers. Regular dental exams and cleanings allow early detection and treatment of minor issues before they become emergencies. Annual x-rays also help monitor for unseen dental disease.

Protect Teeth from Trauma

Accidents or injuries involving the mouth can crack or damage veneers, making toothaches more likely. Wearing mouthguards during sports protects veneers from breaking. Eliminating teeth grinding and clenching with a nightguard also reduces stress and fracture risk.

Don't Ignore Discomfort

It's important not to disregard symptoms like hot/cold sensitivity or dull, throbbing discomfort under veneers. Even if sensitivity seems minor at first, it likely indicates problems needing prompt dental attention before turning into more serious tooth decay or pulp inflammation requiring root canals or tooth extraction.

Deciding if Veneers Are Worth the Risk

While concerning, problems like toothaches under veneers are infrequent if patients maintain vigilant oral hygiene and follow-up care. The visibility and aesthetics benefits often outweigh risks when veneers are properly placed onto intact, healthy teeth.

Still, veneers do require lifelong diligence to minimize complications. Their initial and replacement costs over decades should also factor into deciding if veneers provide enough confidence-boosting improvements for your needs and budget.

Talk over benefits, expectations, responsibilities, costs and options thoroughly with your dentist before treatment. Modern veneers can provide natural, transformative smile improvements for many years if properly cared for.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.