Many people tremble when they are told they need a root canal. This reaction is because they envision an expensive long drawn out painful procedure. But it really is not that bad and is often the best way to save your tooth. Once a root canal is performed, you often wonder why you waited so long to have the procedure done. To help overcome your fear and reluctance, here are a few things you may want to know.
1. What Is a Root Canal?
Many people do not realize that their teeth contain blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. These help your teeth to grow and develop as you age. The pulp of your tooth, located below your teeth's enamel and dentin layers, contains these vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.
A root canal involves removing your tooth's pulp. Once your dentist removes the pulp, they will clean and disinfect your tooth. This process ensures the removal of all the germs and debris related to your infection. Gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, will then be used to fill the inside of your tooth's roots.
Your dentist will further restore your tooth using a filling or crown. A fully restored tooth will no longer have any associated pain or problems. It will function just as well as your other teeth.
2. Why Is a Root Canal in Your Future?
You usually need a root canal because you have damaged the pulp of your toothsome type of way. The pulp becomes inflamed or infected, which in turn causes pain. Damage to your pulp can be through several things. Some of these include:
- Injury
- Cracks or chips
- Deep cavities
- Repeated dental procedures
- Faulty crowns
If left untreated, the inflamed or infected pulp can lead to additional dental problems.
3. What If You Don't Have Pain?
Some teeth requiring a root canal have associated pain, others do not. Other symptoms may include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums
- Darkening of gums
- Tooth movement upon chewing
Even if you have experienced some pain, once the pain ebbs, it does not mean you no longer need a root canal. The loss of pain may mean that the infection has spread, further damaging or killing the pulp.
4. What Happens If You Don't Get a Root Canal?
Unfortunately, if you do not have a root canal, the infection lingers and eventually travels to the root. An infected root can lead to a pocket of pus at the tip of your tooth. This infected root is most commonly called an abscess. A severe enough abscess can cause you to lose the tooth.
An abscess can cause:
- Fever
- Foul breath
- Infected lymph nodes
- Swelling of your face
- Throbbing, persistent toothache
You will have to treat the abscess in addition to your root canal and any other dental procedures.
5. Are There Any Other Steps To Take?
If your dentist has recommended you have a root canal, they will present you with their entire treatment plan. Your dentist may order an antibiotic before your procedure, depending on how severe your infection is. The antibiotic will reduce the amount of infection in your bloodstream.
If your root canal is a multi-step procedure, you will need to protect your tooth until you receive a permanent filling or crown. Saving your tooth is as simple as being careful about what you eat. Avoid biting down on hard candies, ice, pork rinds, nuts, or anything else that could crack your temporary filling or unprotected tooth.
Advanced Dental Care can treat your damaged tooth by performing a root canal or other needed dental treatments. Give us a
call
today so we can help you save your tooth.
