There are many doubts and questions that our patients have regarding some of our treatments or procedures. For this reason, today we want to address one of the most frequently asked questions: What does it mean to kill the nerve of a tooth? Let us explain!
Root canal treatment
The procedure in charge of killing the nerve of a tooth is known as a dental root canal treatment, and it is carried out when there is inflammation in the nerve or in the dental pulp of the tooth. The causes of such inflammation may be very advanced cavities or an infection in the hard part of the tooth.
The purpose of killing the nerve of a tooth is to prevent the total extraction of the affected tooth. This way, dental aesthetics and the functionality of the patient’s mouth are preserved.
At Gross Dentistas, we have extensive experience in performing root canals to achieve the oral well-being of our patients.
Frequently asked questions about killing the nerve of a tooth
Some questions that arise with this treatment, and that we want to resolve today, are:
What happens if the nerve of a tooth is killed?
To answer this, you must keep in mind that when a professional performs a root canal, their mission is to remove the damaged nerve from the tooth. Once this removal is done, you will feel great relief from pain, since the inflammation or infection disappears successfully.
After the procedure, the dentist may apply a disinfectant paste inside the tooth that will last for a few days or even weeks (depending on the healing speed of the tooth). Once the treatment is fully completed, you will no longer feel pain and will regain the functionality of your mouth.
We would also like to highlight that thanks to the root canal procedure, halitosis or bad breath caused by the tooth infection also disappears.
When is it necessary to kill the nerve of a tooth?
However, the key question in all this is… When is it necessary to kill the nerve of a tooth? And the answer is that when you feel pain in any of your teeth, the most advisable thing is to make an appointment with your trusted dentist so they can study your particular situation. If the professional observes that you have significant inflammation or infection, they will decide to perform a dental root canal.
We emphasize that visiting the dentist is essential, since if you let time pass, that inflammation or infection may worsen considerably and lead to worse outcomes, in addition to preventing you from eating, drinking, or speaking normally due to the pain it produces.
How to prevent toothache?
To avoid toothache, it is essential to perform daily and thorough oral hygiene, that is, brushing your teeth three times a day after each meal, using dental floss, mouthwash, and also fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
In this regard, it is also important to remember that a professional dental cleaning must be carried out periodically.
Finally, we recommend that you consume healthy foods for your body and low in sugar.
What care should you take after killing the nerve of a tooth?
After a root canal, it is important to follow certain care measures to promote recovery and avoid complications.
- It is recommended not to chew hard foods with that tooth for the first few days.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing the area and carefully using mouthwash or dental floss.
- It is also normal to feel some sensitivity or discomfort when biting, which is usually controlled with painkillers prescribed by the dentist.
In addition, it is essential to attend follow-up appointments and not delay the placement of the crown or final restoration, since the tooth becomes more fragile after the treatment.
Can a problem arise in root canal treatment?
Regarding possible problems, root canal treatment generally has a high success rate, but complications can arise. One of the most common is the persistence of pain or inflammation if remains of infected tissue or bacteria remain in the canals.
There is also the possibility of the tooth fracturing, since it becomes more weakened, or that the canal filling leaks over time, allowing the infection to return.
In rare cases, the instruments may break inside the canal or the dental anatomy may make complete cleaning difficult. That is why follow-up with the dentist is essential to detect and treat any inconvenience in time.
Dental treatments we perform
In our dental clinic, in addition to the treatment mentioned, we are also specialists in many others: periodontics, dental implants, orthodontics, teeth whitening, dental veneers, among many more.
At Gross Dentistas, we are at your full disposal to help you achieve a healthy and bright smile!
Would you like to get more information about killing the nerve of a tooth or any other topic of interest? We remind you that you can contact us directly… Our team will be delighted to assist you!
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
