How Does a Dentist Kill a Nerve in Your Tooth?
There are two ways a dentist can kill a nerve in your tooth; with a root canal or with a tooth extraction.
In most cases, it will be best to undergo a root canal procedure first to try and save your tooth, as having a missing tooth has its own set of consequences and drawbacks. A tooth extraction should always be your last resort.
The typical process of killing a nerve in your tooth is referred to as a root canal. During this appointment, the root canal dentist (endodontist) will make an opening at the top of the tooth to access the nerve. Using special tools and instruments, the dentist can then carefully remove the nerve and any damaged tissue from within the tooth, relieving your pain.
Why the dentist would kill a nerve in your tooth
Patients who experience constant sharp toothaches, especially in response to hot, cold, or touch, are likely dealing with an infection in the root of the tooth. The pain this causes is often unable to be rectified with other treatments, such as a filling or a dental crown.
Therefore, nerve removal is a prescribed treatment to prevent future pain and clear the infection in the root, which will only worsen if ignored.
When the nerves of the tooth become infected or damaged, it’s often the best-case scenario to remove them to relieve your discomfort and perform a root canal procedure to save the tooth from extraction.
The dental pulp will need to be removed in the following cases:
- Infection or abscessed tooth
- Swelling in the face, neck or head
- Bone loss around the tip of the root
- Drainage problems extending outward from the root
- Severe toothache upon applying pressure or chewing
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discolouration and darkening of your tooth
- Tenderness in nearby gums
The tooth’s nerves can become infected, irritated or inflamed due to deep dental decay, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth or a large broken filling.
The tooth remains alive
Even though the dentist kills the nerve and removes the pulp, it does not kill the tooth. After a successful root canal, the tooth will be able to function as normal; you’ll just experience no feeling.
Root canals remove the nerves from inside the tooth, relieving you from any pain you’re experiencing as a result of advanced tooth decay.
Once the nerve and pulp are removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Patients are often recommended to have a crown fitted on top of the tooth following the procedure to restore the tooth’s structural integrity, especially if the tooth is a premolar, molar or one of the back grinding teeth.
How long will it take to remove the tooth’s nerve?
A typical root canal usually requires one or more visits to the dentist. It can be performed by a specialist endodontist or a regular dentist (the type of dentist is usually based on the complexity of the root canal procedure).
A root canal will typically take around an hour to complete, and a follow-up appointment is required.
