A tooth nerve, also known as the pulp, is the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause severe pain. In such cases, a dentist may need to kill the nerve to relieve the pain and prevent further damage to the tooth.
There are several methods that a dentist can use to kill a tooth nerve. One common method is called endodontic therapy, also known as a root canal. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the infected pulp from the tooth and clean and seal the root canals. Another method is called pulpotomy, which is typically used for children's teeth. In this procedure, the dentist will remove the inflamed part of the pulp but leave the healthy part intact. This can help to preserve the tooth and prevent the need for a root canal later on.