When devitalization is a "light at the bottom of the canal
Endodontics, still very associated with tooth devitalization, is the branch of dental medicine responsible for the study and treatment of dental pulp, also known as “nerve”, often avoiding extraction. So don’t despair before the time!
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The dental pulp, which is inside the tooth (under enamel and dentin), contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. These components help in the growth of the tooth root during its development and make us feel thermal stimuli (such as hot and cold) and also pain.
Devitalization of a tooth is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. When this happens, the tooth is removed and the inner part of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled in, and sealed to prevent its reinfection and save the natural tooth.
What are the signs and symptoms associated with teeth that may require desvitalization?
- Sensitivity to cold and/or hot;
- Difficulty when chewing;
- Pain;
- Abscess;
- Dental fractures
- Change of tooth color.
The endodontic treatment aims to relieve toothache and through modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients say they go through the procedure without discomfort.
In the first days after treatment, the tooth may appear more sensitive, especially if there has been pain/abscess before the endodontic appointment. This condition is easily controlled through medication prescribed by the Dentist.
Endodontics in pregnancy
Devitalization is not contraindicated during pregnancy. The use of drugs, anesthesia and the use of x-rays necessary to view the inside of the tooth, makes the ideal period for carrying out this treatment is the second trimester.
However, if it is not possible to postpone treatment, you can safely carry out the treatment by following the instructions of your dentist.
Endodontics in childhood
As in permanent teeth, milk teeth can also be devitalized.
Children may lose their milk teeth, as well as the permanent ones, if the pulp becomes infected. Caries and trauma (usually due to falls) is often the cause of this infection. Milk teeth are important for guiding the development of permanent teeth. Its early extraction may result in occlusion (bite) problems.
Can devitalized teeth have cavities?
Yes. Despite the desvitalization remove the dental pulp, leaving the tooth without pain, the remaining structure of the tooth (enamel and dentin) remains exposed to the bacteria responsible for caries.
Are devitalized teeth more fragile?
Although there is such a thought in the community, this is nothing more than a myth. The devitalized teeth “are no longer attached” to the tissues of our body, however, their fragility is related to the restoration that is done after endodontic treatment.
Can the tooth become darker after endodontic treatment?
It can. Due to various reasons, the tooth may turn a yellow, pink or even black color. Fortunately, through internal whitening of the tooth structure, it can return to its original color.
Is it better to extract the tooth than to do the endodontic treatment?
When possible, maintaining the tooth is the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the appearance or function of the natural tooth. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate, and these teeth can last a lifetime.
Devitalization is a very common procedure, don’t be afraid! Make an appointment with one of our doctors specialized in endodontics and cut the disease into the pulp!
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