Chronic pain from dental nerve damage represents one of the most underestimated consequences of car accidents. Unlike broken bones that heal predictably, damaged dental nerves can produce persistent pain that disrupts every aspect of your daily life. Insurance companies often minimize these injuries because they're not immediately visible, but the long-term impact on your quality of life can be devastating.
The St. Louis car accident lawyers at Bollwerk & Associates understand that chronic dental pain deserves serious consideration and substantial compensation. When another driver's negligence causes lasting pain that affects your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy life, we are here to help you protect your legal rights.
How Dental Nerve Damage Leads to Chronic Pain
The trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face and teeth, becomes hypersensitive after trauma, sending constant pain signals to the brain even when no actual threat exists. This neurological response develops when car accident trauma disrupts the delicate nerve fibers inside your teeth. The pulp chamber contains thousands of nerve endings that normally respond only to extreme temperatures or pressure. After injury, these nerves become hyperactive—interpreting normal stimuli like air temperature or slight pressure as intense pain.
Chronic dental pain manifests in distinct patterns that help medical professionals understand the extent of nerve damage.
- Constant throbbing pain often indicates inflammation or infection within the tooth structure.
- Sharp, shooting sensations suggest nerve irritation or partial damage.
- Burning or tingling feelings may signal nerve death or regeneration attempts.
Dental nerve pain typically worsens with specific triggers that wouldn't normally cause discomfort. Cold air, hot beverages, sweet foods, or even gentle tooth brushing can produce excruciating pain that lasts for hours.
Sleep disruption is a common concern since dental pain often intensifies when lying down. Increased blood flow to the head while horizontal puts additional pressure on inflamed nerve tissues. Patients frequently report sleeping in recliners or propped up with multiple pillows to find relief.
How Chronic Dental Pain Can Affect Your Daily Life
The impact of chronic dental pain extends far beyond the mouth, affecting virtually every aspect of daily functioning and long-term life planning. Unlike acute pain that serves a protective purpose, chronic dental nerve pain provides no benefit while creating substantial disability.
The effects of chronic dental pain after a car accident can include:
- Employment difficulties. Concentration becomes difficult during pain flares, and frequent dental appointments interrupt work schedules. Many patients exhaust sick leave and vacation time dealing with dental treatment and recovery periods.
- Health problems related to a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation from nighttime pain creates a cascade of health problems that compound the original injury. Fatigue affects immune function, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance.
- Poor nutrition. Eating restrictions imposed by dental pain can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Weight loss and digestive problems may develop if dietary choices become severely limited.
- Tension in relationships with loved ones. Family relationships often suffer when one member deals with chronic pain. Spouses may need to take on additional household responsibilities, and children may feel neglected when parents are unable to participate in normal activities. You may also withdraw from friends and avoid social events where speaking or eating can trigger severe pain.
Compensation for Chronic Dental Pain After a St. Louis Car Accident
Car accident victims with chronic dental nerve pain have a right to compensation that addresses both current suffering and future complications. Working with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case with evidence that supports maximum compensation.
There are three primary categories of compensation for dental injuries that the team at Bollwerk & Associates will consider when working to develop your claim for damages:
- Medical expenses. You should keep records of all medical treatment related to your dental injuries, but don’t forget to allow for anticipated future needs as well. Dental experts can project the likely progression of your nerve damage and estimate costs for root canals, retreatments, extractions, and tooth replacements over your lifetime.
- Lost wages. Employment records, supervisor statements, and vocational rehabilitation assessments help establish the connection between dental pain and economic losses. Future earning capacity calculations consider any career limitations that may be imposed by chronic pain.
- Pain and suffering damages. This is a crucial component of dental nerve injury claims. Unlike medical expenses that have clear dollar values, pain and suffering compensation requires demonstrating how chronic dental pain affects your quality of life. Daily pain journals, medication logs, and testimony from family members help illustrate the true impact of your injury.
