It has been believed by many people that a root canal treatment can be a painful procedure, and this is the reason why most of them would go for an extraction instead of saving their tooth. What these people do not realize is that root canal treatment is an effective way of saving an extremely damaged or decayed tooth and that it does not cause pain. In fact, it helps you to get the relief from an extreme toothache you suffer from a badly damaged tooth.
Root canal, also referred to as endodontics, is performed when the nerve supply inside your tooth or the so-called pulp is infected either by a decay or an injury. In the early stages of the infection, you may or you may not experience any discomfort until the condition becomes so severe that your tooth already darkens in color and it causes you an extreme pain. This is an indication that the nerve of your tooth is already dying or has already died. This is the time when you need a root canal treatment.
The pulp needs to be removed because when it gets damaged, it also breaks down and when that happens, the bacteria begin to grow and spread and may cause an infection. This infection, if not addressed, can also lead to the swelling of the other areas of your face like your neck, head and face. It can even result in bone loss at the tip of your tooth roots or cause drainage problems extending outward from the roots.
The only time that a root canal may be required is when you are able to determine that the pulp has already been damaged by bacterial infection through an X-ray. Below are some of the indications of an infected pulp.
- Teeth sensitivity or pain when eating hot or cold food and drinks
- A loosened tooth
- Pus that is coming out of the infected tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or inflammation of the gum near the affected tooth
- Facial swelling
If you start experiencing toothache due to the infected tooth, you should be seeing your dentist immediately because leaving it untreated may only make it impossible for you to treat in the end.
What procedures are involved in performing a root canal treatment?
This is the part that is mostly feared by many people. You should actually not fear having a root canal treatment because before the procedure even starts, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area of the affected tooth and the treatment will not start until you feel numb already.
During the treatment, a hole will be drilled through the biting surface of your affected tooth so that your dentist can have an access to the pulp chamber and the root canals. This is important because this is how your dentist will be able to remove the tooth pulp. And because the area is numb, you should not be feeling any pain. The dentist will then proceed to the removal of the pulp as well as the nerves in it and that should already provide you with relief from toothache. As soon as the pulp is removed and the tooth has been cleaned by your dentist, it will be filled in with a material called gutta percha. After the filling, it will be sealed and will be restored using a crown or a filling then your teeth will again start to look and function like the rest of your natural teeth.
How is a root canal treatment beneficial?
- Root canal treatment can restore the natural function of your teeth and can make chewing effective again because of the restoration
- It restores your natural biting force as well as your sensation
- It restores the natural appearance of your teeth because you will no longer have to deal with a discolored tooth due to decay and you will no longer have to opt for an extraction and a replacement
- It can protect your teeth from the natural wear and tear
Now that you know how root canal treatment is done, there should be no reason for you to fear this procedure. But if you want to know more about it, call Center One Dental (724) 213-2274, or visit us at 4000 Washington Road Suite 105 Canonsburg, PA 15317