What Causes an Exposed Nerve in Your Tooth?

If you’ve ever felt a sudden jolt of sharp, shooting pain when eating or drinking, you may be dealing with an exposed tooth nerve. At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we treat patients across Sacramento, CA, suffering from intense tooth sensitivity and nerve-related pain—often with same-day appointments, seven days a week.

This condition is not only painful but also a serious dental emergency. Ignoring it could lead to infection, further nerve damage, or even tooth loss.

What Is an Exposed Nerve?

Inside every tooth is soft tissue known as the dental pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. When the protective enamel or dentin wears away or cracks, that inner nerve becomes exposed to air, bacteria, hot or cold temperatures, and even pressure, causing severe pain.

An exposed nerve often presents with:

• Sudden, intense tooth pain (especially when chewing)
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• A visible crack, hole, or recession near the gumline
• Swelling or redness in the surrounding gum area

Common Causes of Tooth Nerve Exposure

Several dental issues can lead to nerve exposure. At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, our team frequently sees cases caused by:

Tooth Decay

Cavities that aren’t treated promptly can eat away at the tooth structure, eventually exposing the nerve. Deep decay is one of the most common reasons for nerve-related dental emergencies.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Whether it’s from a sports injury, biting something hard, or an old filling that fails, a tooth fracture can instantly expose the nerve and cause excruciating pain.

Gum Recession

In cases of advanced gum disease or aggressive brushing, the gums can recede and expose the roots of your teeth. Since roots don’t have protective enamel, the nerves are more vulnerable.

Worn-Down Enamel

Years of grinding your teeth (bruxism) or acidic erosion from diet or reflux can thin enamel, eventually leading to nerve irritation and exposure.

How We Treat Exposed Tooth Nerves in Sacramento, CA

At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we offer rapid relief and effective treatment options for exposed tooth nerves. Our experienced team is available 7 days a week, including weekends, so you don’t have to suffer in pain while waiting for a weekday appointment.

Depending on the cause and severity, we may recommend:

• Dental Fillings for small cavities that haven’t yet reached the root
• Root Canal Therapy to remove infected or damaged pulp tissue and seal the tooth
• Dental Crowns to protect the tooth structure and prevent further exposure
• Gum Treatments if recession is contributing to the problem
• Emergency Extractions in severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved

We also provide temporary pain relief options if you need fast comfort before a full procedure can be completed.

Don’t Wait—We’re Open 7 Days a Week

Tooth nerve exposure isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a dental emergency. At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we’re here to relieve your pain quickly and restore your smile. Whether you live in Midtown Sacramento, Land Park, East Sacramento, or Elk Grove, our centrally located clinic offers expert emergency care when you need it most.