Tooth Nerve Removal

Advanced caries over time affects the tooth nerve. The carious cavity grows, and bacteria enter the inner structures of dental canals. Over time, the infection spreads through the vascular-nerve bundle. This process is accompanied by pain, discomfort, and gum inflammation. But don’t worry: at the ID Dent dental clinic, we know how to help you. Tooth nerve removal is a procedure that helps remove affected pulp fibers while preserving the tooth itself.

Indications for Tooth Nerve Removal

Tooth nerve removal, or depulpation, is a dental procedure where the pulp, containing the nerve innervating a pathological tooth, is removed. Pulpitis is the most common indication for nerve removal. This disease is accompanied by severe pulsating pain, discomfort, and sometimes even general malaise. If conservative treatment methods are ineffective, the tooth nerve needs to be removed.

The tooth nerve needs to be removed if:

• Pulp necrosis, which can occur due to deep caries, trauma, repeated inflammations, or other reasons.
• Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that develops around the root tissue of the tooth.
• Destruction of the tooth’s root system due to deep caries, trauma, or periodontitis.

In each case, the dentist decides on the need to remove the tooth nerve after examination, symptom assessment, and diagnostic studies like x-rays or CT scans.

Contraindications

Tooth nerve removal is not done in the following cases:

• Acute infection in or around the tooth. Nerve removal may be postponed until the infection is under control, due to the risk of spreading the infection to deeper tissues or the bloodstream.
• Blood clotting disorders.
• Some heart diseases.
• In rare cases, upcoming orthodontic treatment.

It’s important to consult a dentist to get individual recommendations and evaluate contraindications before nerve removal.

Symptoms of Tooth Nerve Inflammation

Symptoms of tooth nerve inflammation or pulpitis can include:

• Pain. The most characteristic symptom is sharp or pulsating pain in the tooth. The pain may intensify with hot or cold drinks, chewing food, or touching the tooth.
• Sensitivity. A tooth with an inflamed nerve may become overly sensitive to stimuli like heat, cold, sweetness, or sourness.
• Swelling and redness around the affected tooth.
• Bad breath due to infection presence.

If you suspect tooth nerve inflammation, it’s important to visit a dentist for a diagnosis promptly. The sooner you see a dentist, the better.

Types of Tooth Canal Diseases

Tooth canals are susceptible to a wide range of diseases, including:

• Pulpitis — inflammation of the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. This condition can be acute or chronic, causing pain, sensitivity to stimuli.
• Periodontitis — inflammation of tissues around the tooth root, leading to bone destruction around the tooth’s apex.
• Caries — advanced caries affects not only enamel but also the inner dental tissues.
• Granuloma — a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs around the tooth root due to stagnation or chronic apical periodontitis. A granuloma is a cyst or tumor that can cause severe pain and cheek swelling.

Each disease requires timely treatment. Therefore, it’s crucial to visit a dentist regularly (as planned) and at the first signs of oral diseases.

Methods for Pulp Removal and Recovery Period

In a modern dental clinic, tooth nerve removal is conducted under a microscope, ensuring maximum procedure accuracy and reducing the risk of injuring healthy tissues. The most common pulp removal methods include:

• Instrumental — using a special tool called a pulpoextractor. The doctor extracts the nerve bundle using this tool, then performs antiseptic treatment and canal filling. The procedure is conducted under local anesthesia, so you don’t feel pain or discomfort. Average duration is from 30 to 50 minutes.
• Endodontic — a more modern treatment approach utilizing a high-precision microscope that magnifies the image up to 40 times, allowing for nerve removal. This method is considered the gold standard in dentistry.

After root canal filling, the dentist assesses the results and performs the final restoration of the tooth with a filling or crown.

Post-Procedure Outcomes

Many patients fear depulpation, believing that tooth nerve removal is painful or that the tooth will become very vulnerable afterward, necessitating its removal. However, following depulpation, you will feel much better because:

• discomfort and pain triggered by canal diseases disappear;
• tooth sensitivity to hot and cold decreases;
• tissue destruction is halted;
• it’s possible to perform a safe and high-quality aesthetic restoration.

But remember, a depulpated tooth becomes more fragile and may change color over time.

How Long Does a Tooth Last After Nerve Removal?

The life of a tooth after nerve removal is practically unlimited. However, without nutrition and nerves, it becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage. The lifespan of a tooth after nerve removal may depend on various factors, such as the quality and extent of the procedure, the tooth’s condition before the procedure, care post-procedure, and other individual characteristics.

To extend the life of a tooth after nerve removal, it is recommended to:

• Follow the dentist’s advice on post-procedure care.
• Regularly visit the dentist for checkups and preventive examinations.
• Avoid injury and excessive force on the tooth.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods.

Note that the duration of life for a tooth after nerve removal can be individual and depends on many factors. Some teeth can last for many years, while others may require additional treatment or replacement.

Is Tooth Nerve Removal Painful?

Tooth nerve removal at ID Dent is done with local anesthesia, ensuring that most patients feel no pain during the procedure. Anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth, making the nerve removal process absolutely comfortable.

However, post-procedure, there might be some discomfort or sensitivity due to the nerve removal process and root canal treatment. These symptoms are generally temporary and can be managed with pain or anti-inflammatory medication.

It is essential to note that each patient may experience the procedure differently.

What Happens if You Don’t Remove a Tooth Nerve?

If you don’t remove a tooth nerve when indicated, you may experience these problems:

• Persistent pain. The tooth nerve is sensitive to stimuli, and if left with inflammation or infection, the patient may continue to experience constant or recurring pain.
• Progression of infection. An inflamed or infected tooth nerve can serve as an infection source, potentially spreading to surrounding tissues, including the jaw, face, or even nearby organs. Delayed treatment may result in severe complications.
• Abscess. If not controlled, the infection may progress to form an abscess in the periradicular area, causing severe pain, swelling, redness, and potentially spreading to larger areas.
• Tooth loss. In some cases, if infection or inflammation is not controlled, tooth extraction may be required.

The dentist will conduct an examination, diagnose the condition, and recommend suitable treatment.

Tooth Nerve Removal During Pregnancy

Women planning pregnancy are advised to treat their teeth beforehand. However, in cases of sudden illness and acute pain, nerve removal is performed after consultation with the supervising doctor.

Only safe medications, harmless for the mother and baby, are used during dental treatment for pregnant women.

Is It Necessary to Remove the Nerve in a Baby Tooth?

Nerve removal in a baby tooth is necessary if the molar is severely damaged or infected. The decision is made by a dentist after a thorough examination and situation assessment. It’s important to consult a dentist for specific recommendations for your child.

Medication for Tooth Nerve Removal

Post-pulp removal, patients may experience slight pain or discomfort. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medications like “Nurofen,” “Nimesil.” Only take such medications as prescribed by a doctor.

How is the Cost of Tooth Nerve Removal Formed?

The cost of tooth nerve removal in Kyiv is based on several factors. Procedure complexity, including the tooth’s state and location, affects the final price. Additionally, the procedure cost depends on the dentist’s qualifications, used materials, and equipment. Prices in different medical centers can vary significantly.

If you’re concerned about tooth pain, we welcome you to ID Dent dental clinic. Our experienced dentists ensure quality and effective treatment. Tooth nerve removal is performed painlessly under local anesthesia. To schedule a consultation, leave your phone number in the feedback form, or call us directly.

ID Dent Clinic Location in Kyiv: Left bank of the Dnieper, Lesnoy array. Nearby are Lesnaya and Chernihivskaya metro stations.

List of Literature Used:

• Petrikas A.Z. Anesthesia in Endodontics. – MIA. – 2009.
• Goryachev N.A. – Conservative Endodontics: A Practical Guide. – Medicina. – 2002. – 140 p.
• Dubova M.A. – Modern Technologies in Endodontics. – 2005. – 96 p.
• Khomenko L.A., Bidenko N.V. – Practical Endodontics. Tools, Materials, and Methods. – Kniga Plyus – 2002. – 216 p.