The sensation of intense pressure or throbbing pain deep within a tooth often leads patients to seek emergency dental care. Although this discomfort is frequently described as “gas” or “air” trapped inside the tooth, it signals a significant internal dental infection. This pressure indicates a contained inflammatory process within the rigid structures of the tooth and jawbone, demanding immediate professional attention to prevent the infection from spreading.
Understanding the Source of Gas Buildup Inside a Tooth
The painful pressure results from gaseous byproducts of a severe infection inside the tooth’s pulp chamber, not atmospheric air. This chamber, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected when deep decay, a fracture, or a failed restoration allows bacteria to enter. Once inside, the environment is sealed off from oxygen, creating ideal conditions for anaerobic bacteria to thrive.
These microorganisms metabolize dead tissue within the pulp space and produce volatile compounds as waste products. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, are the primary culprits for the pressure and foul odor associated with an abscess. Because the tooth is a rigid structure, these gases and accumulating fluid have nowhere to escape, causing a rapid increase in internal pressure that presses directly on nerve endings.
Professional Methods for Pressure and Gas Relief
Lasting relief requires intervention by a dental professional to physically drain the infection. The primary method for immediate pressure relief is creating an access opening into the tooth’s pulp chamber, typically the first step of a root canal procedure. The dentist drills a small opening through the crown to reach the infected pulp space, instantly allowing trapped gas and fluid to escape. This drainage provides immediate pressure reduction, alleviating the most severe pain.
After initial venting, specialized files clean and shape the internal root canals, removing the infected tissue that produced the gas. This step disinfects the space and eliminates the anaerobic bacteria responsible for the volatile compounds. If the infection has spread beyond the root tip, causing an abscess (localized swelling), the dentist may perform an incision and drainage procedure. This involves making a small cut into the swollen area to allow pus and inflammatory fluid to drain, sometimes placing a temporary rubber drain for one to two days. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is spreading, but physical drainage remains the primary means of pressure relief.
Immediate Steps for Managing Tooth Pressure and Pain
While professional intervention is the only way to resolve the underlying cause and relieve the pressure, temporary measures can manage symptoms until a dental appointment. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce both pain and the inflammation contributing to the pressure. Following the recommended dosage is important for temporary comfort.
A cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek can numb the pain and minimize external swelling. Apply the compress in 15- to 20-minute intervals, using a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin. Rinsing gently with warm salt water can clean the area and offer temporary relief to inflamed tissues. Also, avoid chewing on the painful side and elevate the head when lying down, as this reduces blood flow and the throbbing sensation. These steps only address symptoms and serve as a bridge to definitive treatment.