If an individual experiences molar tooth pain, it might originate from the interior of the tooth or from the adjacent ligament, bone or gum tissue. Generally, there are 3 molar teeth in every quadrant of the human jaw.
The removal of the third molars or wisdom teeth is commonly done if there is lack of space for full eruption of the tooth. Take note that the molars serve as the main teeth for chewing. The superior ones are positioned close to the maxillary sinus while the inferior ones can be close to major blood vessels as well as the nerves.
Causes of molar tooth pain
One of the main causes of molar tooth pain is dental caries or decay that may or may not infiltrate the dental pulp. The inflammation of this tissue can lead to an infection with swelling and severe pain. This can also occur due to several dental restorations. This is quite common with the first molars since they erupt early in childhood and susceptible to develop cavities and fillings at an early age.
Breaks or cracks can also cause pulpal pain and inflammation. Since the molars are responsible for chewing, they usually end up with cracks. Sinus infection can cause molar tooth pain since their roots are positioned close to or in the sinus cavity. The discomfort from the temporomandibular joints in the front part of the ears as well as the heart muscle can trigger molar tooth pain.
In some cases, gum infection due to periodontal disease can also trigger molar tooth pain along with swelling of the adjacent soft tissues.
Diagnosis
Dealing with molar tooth pain usually depends on an accurate diagnosis from a dentist. In most cases, the dentist will take an X-ray and closely assess the sore area. The diagnostic tests involve placement of ice pack and maybe heat on the affected tooth to check the status of the dental pulp.
An abscess is tender upon tapping a metal dental instrument. Probing throughout the exterior of the tooth is vital in determining the health of attachment of the gum to the tooth and bone. If there is possibility for sinusitis or other non-dental conditions, a doctor should be consulted.
Management of molar tooth pain
The treatment for an abscessed tooth involves removal of the diseased dental pulp. Take note that this can be achieved with root canal treatment and tooth extraction. The root canal treatment can save most of the abscessed teeth.
The pain from gum infections is typically resolved with periodontal cleaning of the pocket adjacent to the tooth. In severe cases of periodontal disease, surgery might be required. In such cases, pain medications and antibiotics might be given for intense pain and swelling from either an abscessed tooth or periodontal abscess.
Possible complications
The root canal treatment as well as proper periodontal care could not save all diseased molar teeth. Bone loss, extensive decay and deep fractures can lead to extraction of some. In some cases of dental infections, it can progress into a serious case of cellulitis that might compromise the airway.
Prevention
Regular dental check-ups and thorough oral hygiene can help prevent the development of most cases of molar tooth pain. A doctor must be consulted once there is an initial indication of any pain or swelling.