Information About Damaged Dental Nerves And Why You May Need A Root Canal

You may know that if you damage the nerve of a tooth, you will likely need to undergo a root canal. Yet, you may not have a full understanding of just what is going on in your mouth. Here is some information about damaged nerves and why a root canal could be the best course of action. The more you know, the more confident you can feel about the procedure.

The Pulp of the Teeth

First of all, each of your teeth has a series of nerves, which are located in the pulp. The pulp is in the center of each tooth. Surrounding the pulp is the dentin, which acts very much like bone. The dentin is a protective barrier for your pulp, and within the pulp, you will find the dental nerves, as well as blood vessels and connective tissue. Blood pumps through the tooth's pulp so that nutrients and beneficial substances can be transmitted throughout your tooth. This keeps your smile healthy and pain-free!

Risks to the Dental Nerve

For most people, keeping the teeth healthy is simply a matter of practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing at least two times a day, eating a balanced and varied diet, and visiting the dentist at least every six months to help you keep things in check.

Even so, accidents do happen, and if you end up chipping a tooth, cracking one, or just failing to brush and floss on a daily basis, things could take a turn for the worse. Tooth decay can ensue once the tooth enamel is compromised and oral bacteria can gain access to the dental pulp. This can result in infection and inflammation that damages dental nerves.

Signs of Dental Nerve Damage

People who experience damage to a tooth's nerves will typically experience a few symptoms. One of the signs of nerve damage is pain upon breathing through the mouth as air blows over the tooth. Moreover, eating, drinking and speaking could become painful.

Some people also have extreme discomfort when their teeth are exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks. There may also be a darkening of the tooth.

If you have symptoms indicating that the nerves in one of your teeth may be damaged, be sure to contact a dental professional in your area, like Hart Dayton DMD. He or she can diagnose your condition and prescribe the necessary treatment. In the meanwhile, practice good oral hygiene to prevent damage from worsening.

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