How Many Nerves Are in a Tooth?

Each tooth has nerves and blood vessels that are responsible for providing it with nutrients. The nerve is present in the root of the tooth. Once a tooth comes out of the gums, the nerves are no longer important for its function or health. The main function of the nerve is to sense hot and cold. Here are some facts about the location, function, and treatment of tooth nerves.

Location of the nerves

Each tooth consists of three hard tissues and one soft tissue. The outermost covering of a tooth is the enamel. This calcified layer does not contain any living cells. Beneath the enamel is the second layer called dentin. The third layer called cementum covers the roots. The soft tissue called pulp is present at the center of the tooth and it contains the nerves.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage can result from the pulp chamber getting exposed or damaged. A damaged nerve can cause severe pain.

Nerve damage due to injury

The nerve can get damaged due to a severe hit on the teeth or jaw. This type of injury is common in sports players. The nerves may be exposed due to a crack in the crown. The root may also get fractured, in which this is an injury that will require immediate attention.

Nerve damage due to decay

If a tooth has decayed severely, it is a good idea to get it checked out by the dentist. Excessive decay can remove the outer layers of the teeth, exposing the pulp and nerves. Symptoms of the condition include pain after eating cold or hot foods.

Nerve damage due to an abscessed tooth

Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include swelling of the jaw or face around the painful tooth. The reason for the condition is usually an injury or decay. If a tooth becomes abscessed, it is a strong indicator that the tooth is also damaged. There is an increase in blood flow around the area has been damaged or that is dead, causing an increase in pressure.

Abscessed teeth require immediate attention. At the dentist office, the patient will undergo a dental exam to check the extent of damage and the type of treatment that will be best for the patient.

Treatment for infected or damaged nerves

A root canal procedure is performed on pulp that has become infected or damaged. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the end of the root of the tooth. If the pulp gets damaged, it starts to break down. The pulp chamber becomes filled with bacteria, which can lead to an abscess.

The treatment involves removal of the pulp and cleaning and sealing of the inner sections of the tooth. Root canal procedures are wrongly associated with excessive pain. In reality, the pain felt is similar to that of a filling procedure. The pain felt before the treatment due to the condition is much greater than what is felt during the treatment.

The nerves of a tooth can be damaged due to injury or decay. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of nerve damage, consult your dentist immediately for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

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