Experience Former Clinical Instructor of Comprehensive Dentistry, and Prosthodontic Department New York University School of Dentistry. Also former instructor of Preventive Dentistry Columbia University School of Dentistry.
Education/Credentials 1980 DDS New York University College of Dentistry
1981 GPR Manhattan VA Hospital
Awards and Honors OKU 1980 Honor Society
1980 Long Island Academy of Odontology award for highest combined Academic and Clinical Achievement.
In 1997 he was elected to Fellowship into the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics
Question I had a root canal about 6 months ago. The filling fell out about a week ago but the outside half of the tooth is still in tact. When a root canal is performed, does the dentist "kill" the nerve. What my concern is is that there will be severe pain if something hits that nerve.
Answer When the root canal was done the pulp was removed. It consists of the 'nerve',the tooth's internal blood supply and connective tissue. Guttaperca and sealer was placed into the canal afterwards.
You should go back to the dentist to either replace your temporary or restore your tooth. Root canals can fail if they get recontaminated by oral fluids. This can occur in as little as one month. The sealer tends to wash out and bacteria can get into the tooth and cause an infection. This could cause pain and swelling.
Also most back teeth require protection against breaking. Most are restored with crowns so that they do not fracture.
I hope I have answered your question. Please feel free to contact me again with any other dental questions.
