Tooth nerve extraction may be an unavoidable option in dentistry practice. However, there are numerous myths around this process.
When is tooth nerve extraction necessary and is it be painful?
What is a dental nerve?
Teeth are of quite a complex structure. Inside the root a tooth contains a pulp – a plexus of lymphatic vessels, blood vessels and nerve endings.
It is the pulp that protects the tooth tissue from a variety of micro-organisms and helps the tooth respond to external stimuli such as heat and cold. Inflammatory conditions of the pulp (pulpitis) can cause sensitivity to cold and heat and severe pain that normally gets worse at night.
When the pulp is removed, the tooth becomes less resistant to bacteria, and its blood supply and mineralization stop. Therefore, postpone removing the pulp unless it is unavoidable.
If a patient delays visiting the dentist and the pain becomes very severe, the nerve(the pulp) will need removing, as it is the only way to save the tooth. The procedure also relieves the pain and discomfort associated with an infected or damaged pulp.
The removal of the nerve (pulp) is also known as depulpation.
When can a nerve be removed?
Causes leading to pulp inflammation and its removal:
- advanced caries;
- a tooth injury.
Does it hurt to remove the nerve?
Myths that have grown up around the procedure often cause patients to be afraid of nerve removal. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of modern dentistry and believe that nerve removal is painful.
In ancient times, nerve removal was done without anaesthesia and the nerve was ‘killed’ with arsenic. Such procedures were painful and unpleasant. Moreover, arsenic is a powerful poison that requires extreme caution. It could cause destruction of the tooth tissue and other negative consequences if it remained in the tooth for longer than a certain period.
This method is rarely used in modern dentistry, which prefers safer methods of pulp removal.
A thorough examination and diagnostic scan help the dentist determine the extent of the problem and whether the pulp needs removing.
The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth. The cleaned tooth is then filled to prevent further infection.
If the specialist considers it necessary, they may place a temporary filling in the tooth after the pulp has been removed to ensure the success of the pulpectomy.
On your next visit, your dentist removes the temporary filling and places a permanent one. In some cases, a crown may be placed to restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
The patient does not feel any pain and the risk of complications is minimized. Adversely, the patient is free of toothache after the procedure and their quality of life is improved.
Today, dentists use modern painkillers that provide high-quality anesthesia. This allows the dentist access the inflamed nerve and remove the affected tissue. Special dental instruments are used to remove the nerve.
Another myth is that once the nerve is removed, the tooth becomes “dead” and will soon fall out or collapse. In fact, the removal of the nerve protects the tooth from decay and extraction.
What complications can occur after nerve removal
After the nerve is removed, the tooth becomes weaker and slightly discoloured. However, with the right treatment, a tooth without a nerve can be saved for a long period of time.
Complications that a patient may experience after a pulpectomy are usually related to either an incorrectly performed procedure or anatomical features of the tooth canals and pulp.
If the canals are severely curved, the pulp may be difficult to access and may not be completely removed. However, in modern dentistry, the use of x-rays allows the dentist to study the shape of the patient’s canals before removing the nerve, and to choose the right instruments to minimize complications.
The most common complication that can occur after nerve extraction is severe pain associated with the development of an inflammatory process. In this case, you should see a dentist immediately. If this is not done, the pain may get worse and swelling and bad breath may occur.
Pulpitis prevention
To prevent pulpitis and nerve removal, we recommend that you maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the development of caries.
A regular visiting a dentist (at least once every six months) will ensure timely caries diagnosing and treatment, thus, preventing it from penetrating too deeply into the tooth tissue and spreading to the pulp.
The best way to avoid nerve extraction is to brush teeth thoroughly with a good quality toothpaste and visit the dentist regularly.