Is it necessary to kill the nerve when having a toothache?

Root canal treatment is a common treatment method for dental diseases. Many dental diseases can cause toothaches, so after experiencing toothache, many people will choose root canal treatment. However, not all toothaches require nerve killing. Below, we will introduce the indications, risks and precautions of root canal treatment.

1. Is it necessary to kill the nerves when having toothache?

First determine whether your tooth hurts only when you eat hot or cold foods or put food in your mouth, or whether the pain occurs without any stimulation.

If it is the first case, then it may be okay, the pulp is likely to be fine, and if the pulp is not exposed after the doctor removes the decayed tooth, then filling the tooth will be enough.

If the second symptom occurs, which we call spontaneous pain, then the nerves must be treated. Our treatment is called root canal treatment, which is the most commonly used and most thorough treatment.

2. Indications for root canal treatment

Root canal therapy is suitable for teeth diagnosed with pulp or periapical disease. It requires the removal of pulp tissue and the removal of root canal system infection in order to preserve the entire tooth or root. However, the tooth must have sufficient periodontal tissue and bone support.

In some cases, some including trauma, dental restoration, periodontal surgery or other treatment needs, pulp removal and root canal treatment are also required.

3. Risks of Root Canal Treatment

During root canal treatment, the doctor can only have a general understanding of the root canal system based on X-rays or apex locators. In case of complex root canals (curved, narrow, calcified and blocked, instrument broken, lateral penetration) or other special situations, the difficulty of root canal treatment increases, special equipment and materials need to be used, and the treatment time will be increased accordingly.

Instrument breakage may occur during complex root canal treatment. It is not required to forcibly remove the broken instrument. The instrument can remain in the root canal and be checked regularly.

4. Notes on root canal treatment

After root canal treatment, the body goes through a repair process and regular checkups can be performed to understand the healing status of the tissues. The patient may experience discomfort in the treated tooth for quite some time. If the condition is not gradually getting worse, you can adopt an observation approach, but you should follow the doctor's advice and have a follow-up check in time.