What is a Tooth Nerve:
The oral cavity is made up of an average of 32 to 36 teeth. Each tooth has its own function: grinding, masticating, cutting, shearing, etc. Each tooth as well has its unique properties that make them strong and able to withstand even the length of time. Remember, the bones and the teeth are usually the ones left behind not decomposed even after one’s death.
Here is what you need to know more about tooth nerves:
- The tooth nerve is called and referred to as the dental pulp.
- It is a complex organ composed of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerve axons.
- It is pinkish in color and soft.
- It is usually removed in a dental procedure called root canal.
- Its original function is in the development of and formation of the teeth themselves.
- While we are still young, the nerves in our teeth are relatively large, but they slowly shrink becoming narrow throughout our lives.
- The nerve serves mostly to keep the teeth hydrated and allows the dentin to retain a certain amount of elasticity.
Is There a Likely Chance That the Tooth Nerves Will Die?
There are circumstances that will likely cause the death of the tooth nerves, and these are the following:
- During root canal procedures, the dental pulp is removed altogether.
- Existing periodontal disease will likely cause the tooth nerve to die. Complications of the disease such as infection will likely contaminate and travel to the nerve or pulp of the teeth. Once this happens, the bacteria will eat its way through the nerve causing damage.
- Autoimmune disorder wherein the body itself attacks the cells and nerves of the body without the clear understanding why they do so.
- Poor hygiene will also predispose and precipitate any underlying periodontal disease, thus causing further complications.
What Will Likely Happen When a Tooth Nerve Dies?
When a tooth nerve or dental pulp dies, there will be nothing responsible for keeping the teeth hydrated, thus the dentil will eventually get weak. When it does, it’s ability to withstand shock and its ability to become a shock absorber decreases, placing the teeth in high circumstances to lose its strength making it prone to fractures. This is one of the reasons why teeth would usually be given a procedure wherein a crown will be placed.