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A member asked:
How does a tooth survive in the mouth and stay alive after a root canal if there is no nerve left... wouldn't the tooth die and fall out?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Tooth Vitality: Your teeth are not living... the organic matrix of the tooth is not living tissue: only the blood vessels and nerve(s) inside the tooth are alive. Root canal therapy removes those living tissues and replaces them with an inert, biocompatible substance. The rest of the tooth may become brittle over time and require crowns to prevent fracture.
Answered 4/7/2016
1.4k views
Tooth structure: The tooth is held in place by periodontal ligamentfibersthat run from the tooth to the bone. A root canal does not effect these fibers. However the tooth will fall out if you looses these fibers. This would be caused by periodontal or gum disease and is the reason for good brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings. The tooth itself is not vital or alive.
Answered 11/4/2019
1.4k views
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