When the nerve of a tooth is inflamed or infected it will be needed to perform an endodontic treatment (colloquially called “killing the nerve”).
Sensitivity to cold, heat, spontaneous pain or pain during mastication are symptoms that may indicate a need for endodontic treatment. Changes in the color of a tooth, abscesses, gumboils or fistulas are also symptoms that may indicate its need.
This is usually a consequence of tooth decay when it reaches the nerve, although it can also be produced by a traumatism or an excessive tooth wear.
The endodontic treatment consists on removing the pulp along with the bacteria that were inside the tooth. The remaining space will be filled with an inorganic material so it can be hermetically sealed.