Extracción del nervio dental

La caries dental avanzada eventualmente afecta el nervio dental. La cavidad cariosa se agranda, permitiendo que las bacterias ingresen a las estructuras internas de los conductos radiculares. Con el tiempo, la infección se propaga por todo el paquete vascular-nervioso. Este proceso va acompañado de dolor, malestar e inflamación de las encías. Pero no te preocupes: en la clínica dental ID Dent sabemos cómo ayudarte. La extracción del nervio dental es un procedimiento que ayuda a eliminar las fibras pulpares afectadas, preservando el propio diente.

Indications for tooth nerve removal

The removal of the tooth nerve is a dental procedure in which the pulp containing the nerve that innervates the pathological tooth is removed. Pulpitis is the most common indication for nerve removal. This disease is accompanied by severe throbbing pain, discomfort, and sometimes even general malaise. If conservative treatment methods are ineffective, the tooth nerve must be removed.

Also, tooth nerve removal is necessary if:

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

In each specific case, the decision on the necessity of tooth nerve removal is made by the dentist after examination, symptom assessment, and diagnostic studies, such as X-rays or computed tomography.

Contraindications

Tooth nerve removal is not allowed in the following cases:

• Acute infection in the tooth area or around it. Nerve removal may be postponed until the infection is under control. This is 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 is important to consult a dentist to get individual recommendations and evaluate contraindications before the tooth nerve removal procedure.

Symptoms of tooth nerve inflammation

Symptoms of tooth nerve inflammation or pulpitis may include the following manifestations:

• Pain. The most characteristic symptom of pulpitis is sharp or throbbing pain in the tooth. Pain can be intense and worsen when consuming hot or cold drinks, chewing food, or touching the tooth.
• Sensitivity. A tooth with an inflamed nerve may become overly sensitive to various irritants, such as heat, cold, sweet, or sour.
• Swelling and redness in the area of the affected tooth.
• Bad breath due to the presence of an infection.

If you suspect tooth nerve inflammation, it is important to promptly consult a dentist for diagnosis. The sooner you make an appointment with a dentist — the better.

What types of dental canal diseases exist?

Dental canals are susceptible to a wide range of diseases. These include:

• Pulpitis — inflammation of the tooth pulp (nerve). The disease can be acute or chronic, causing pain and sensitivity to irritants.
• Periodontitis — inflammation of the tissues around the tooth root, leading to the destruction of bone tissue around the tooth’s apex.
• Caries — deep caries affect not only the enamel but also the internal tissues of the teeth.
• Granuloma — a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs around the tooth root as a result of stagnant phenomena 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 is crucial to visit the dentist regularly (planned) and at the first signs of oral diseases.

Methods of pulp removal and recovery period

In modern dental clinic conditions, tooth nerve removal is performed under a microscope. This allows achieving maximum procedure accuracy, reducing the likelihood of injuring healthy tissues. The most common methods used for pulp removal are:

• Instrumental — using a special tool, a pulp extractor. With this tool, the doctor extracts the nerve bundle and then conducts antiseptic treatment and canal filling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Average duration — from 30 to 50 minutes.
• Endodontic — a more modern treatment method. The dentist uses a high-precision microscope for manipulation, which magnifies the image 40 times. Then, tooth nerve removal is conducted. This method is considered the gold standard in dentistry.

Tooth nerve removal under a microscope at ID Dent dentistry

Steps of depulpation

Tooth nerve removal is conducted in stages. The specifics of the procedure may vary depending on the clinical picture’s peculiarities. But on average, it looks like this:

1. Anesthesia. The first stage of tooth depulpation is pain relief. The dentist administers an anesthetic around the tooth area to remove sensitivity during the procedure.
2. Isolation of the necessary area using a rubber dam. This helps maintain sterility and provides convenient conditions for the procedure.
3. Access opening. The dentist creates access to the tooth’s root canal, usually using a dental drill and special tools. They remove carious tissues and prepare the canal for further processing.
4. Canal expansion and cleaning. Using instruments called files, the dentist expands and cleans the root canal. The doctor removes damaged pulp and infected tissues to prevent further infection spread.
5. Canal rinsing. The tooth canal is rinsed with special solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite or antiseptic solutions, to remove pulp remnants and sanitize the canal.
6. Root canal filling. After thorough cleaning and rinsing of the canal, the cavity is filled with a material called gutta-percha.

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

Consequences of tooth nerve removal

Many patients fear depulpation, believing that nerve removal in the tooth is a painful procedure. Additionally, they think the tooth will become very vulnerable after the procedure and need to be removed soon.

In reality, after tooth depulpation, you will feel much better:

• Discomfort and pain caused by canal diseases go away;
• The sensitivity of teeth to hot and cold decreases;
• Tissue destruction of the tooth is halted;
• Safe and high-quality aesthetic restoration is possible.

However, it is worth remembering that a depulped tooth becomes more fragile and may change color over time.

How long does a tooth last after nerve removal?

The viability of a tooth after nerve removal is practically unlimited. However, without nutrition and nerves, the tooth becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage. The duration of a tooth’s life after nerve removal can depend on several factors, such as the quality and volume of the procedure performed, the tooth condition before the procedure, post-procedure care for the tooth, and other individual characteristics.

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

• Follow the dentist’s recommendations for post-procedure tooth care.
• Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and preventative exams.
• Avoid trauma and heavy loads on the tooth.
• Maintain high-quality oral hygiene.
• Avoid consuming hard and sticky foods.

It is important to note that the duration of a tooth’s life 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 it painful to remove a tooth nerve?

Tooth nerve removal at ID Dent dentistry is conducted with local anesthesia, so most patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth, making the process of nerve removal completely comfortable.

However, after the procedure, there may be some discomfort or sensitivity related to the nerve removal process and root canal treatment. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

It is essential to note that every patient can have individual characteristics and react differently to the procedure.

What happens if you don’t remove the nerve from a tooth?

If you do not remove the nerve from a tooth when indicated, the following problems may arise:

• Constant pain. The dental nerve is sensitive to irritants, and if the nerve is left in the tooth with inflammation or infection, the patient may continue to experience constant or recurrent pain.
• Progression of infection. An inflamed or infected dental nerve can become a source of infection, which in turn can spread to surrounding tissues, including the jaw, face, or even nearby organs. Untimely treatment can lead to severe complications.
• Abscess. If the infection is not controlled and continues to progress, an abscess may form in the periradicular area. An abscess is a purulent accumulation that can cause significant pain, swelling, redness, and even spread to wider areas.
• Tooth loss. In some cases, when infection or inflammation is not controlled, tooth extraction may be necessary.

The dentist will conduct an examination, make a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Tooth nerve removal during pregnancy

Women preparing for motherhood are recommended to treat their teeth before pregnancy. However, if the disease arises spontaneously and sharp pain causes discomfort, tooth nerve removal is still performed but only after consultation with the doctor leading the pregnancy.

During dental treatment for pregnant women, only safe drugs are used that will not harm the mother and baby.

Is it necessary to remove the nerve in a baby tooth?

The removal of a baby tooth nerve is necessary if the molar is severely damaged or infected. The dentist decides on the necessity of nerve removal in a baby tooth after a thorough examination and evaluation of the situation. It is essential to consult a dentist to get recommendations suitable for your child’s specific situation.

Medications for tooth nerve removal

After tooth pulp removal, the patient may have slight pain or discomfort. Therefore, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications — for example, “Nurofen,” “Nimesil.” Take these drugs only after a doctor’s prescription.

How is the price for tooth nerve removal formed?

The price of tooth nerve removal in Kyiv is formed based on several factors. The complexity of the procedure, including the condition and location of the tooth, affects the final price. The cost also depends on the dentist’s qualification, materials, and equipment used. Prices may vary significantly between different medical centers.

If you are concerned about tooth pain, we await you at the ID Dent dental clinic. Experienced dentists guarantee quality, effective dental treatments. We perform tooth nerve removal painlessly: under local anesthesia. To make an appointment with a dentist, leave your phone number in the feedback form or call us directly.

Location of ID Dent clinic in Kyiv: Left bank of Dnieper, Forest massif. Nearby are the metro stations Lesnaya and Chernigovskaya.

List of Used Literature:

• Petrikas A.Ž. Anesthesia in endodontics. – MIA. – 2009.
• Goryachev N.A. – Conservative Endodontics: A Practical Guide. – Medicine. – 2002. – 140p.
• Dubova M.A. – Modern Technologies in Endodontics. – 2005. – 96p.
• Khomenko L.A., Bedenko N.V. – Practical Endodontics. Instruments, Materials, and Methods. – Book Plus – 2002. – 216p.