You should see a dentist immediately if you experience a toothache. In the meantime, the following may ease the discomfort:
• Avoid hot or cold food
• Avoid biting on the involved tooth
• Take an over the counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Diagnosis of the dental pulp status of your tooth is done by your dentist using clinical examination and investigations. Some of these investigations include:
• Pulp vitality tests, such as thermal tests or electric pulp tests. These are used to determine if the dental pulp is still alive.
• X-rays (radiographs) are used to determine the extent of tooth decay and surrounding bone inflammation caused by dental pulp infection.
