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Root canal treatment is essential to good oral health, alleviating pain, and preventing severe dental problems in the future. Unfortunately, the procedure has a bad reputation, and many are apprehensive about receiving one.
This guide aims to debunk common misconceptions and reassure patients that the procedure is safe, effective, and routine.
Definition
A tooth severely injured or diseased tooth can be saved and repaired using root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy. Deep decay, several dental treatments, big fillings, chips and cracks in teeth, and facial trauma can all harm the nerves and blood vessels inside teeth.
The inside of a tooth contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves, known as the pulp. While’ root canal’ may sound scary, modern treatments are quick and simple. After numbing the area, an opening is made in the tooth, and the soft pulp tissue is removed using small instruments. The empty canals are then disinfected and filled with a rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.
Symptoms
A toothache is one of the most common signs of needing root canal Kalamazoo MI treatment. This is caused by an infected dental pulp that causes throbbing pain and sensitivity. The throbbing can make it difficult to chew and bite without causing further pain.
You can also experience sensitivity to hot and cold liquids and foods. Your inner tooth’s blood and nerve supply (called the ‘pulp’) is damaged. This results in a twinge of pain that can last for seconds when consumed with hot or cold liquids and food. If the sensitivity lingers long, you likely need root canal therapy. The sensitivity can radiate to other teeth and gums as well. Swollen gums are also a sign that you need root canal treatment.
Causes
A root canal is needed when the nerve in a tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed and damaged. There are many causes of this, but the most common is severe tooth decay that reaches deep into the nerve chamber or pulp, leaving bacteria there and eventually causing inflammation or infection.
Cracked teeth, deep fillings, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, or traumatic injuries to the mouth can also cause physical irritation. Practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with routine check-ups can help prevent infections from developing in the first place.
During the treatment, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum. They will then cover the infected tooth with a thin rubber sheet (a dam) to keep it dry while they work on the tooth.
Treatment
Despite gaining an undeserved reputation for pain and fear, root canal treatment is a highly effective dental procedure that saves the tooth from further damage. You can confidently approach this vital restorative dental service by understanding what it involves and how to best care for your tooth after treatment.
If you have extreme tooth pain or sensitivity, it could be due to inflamed or infected tissue within the pulp of your tooth. If this is the case, prompt treatment can help prevent infection from spreading and alleviate discomfort.
A root canal treatment removes inflamed or damaged tissue and replaces it with a sterile material, typically gutta-percha. It then seals the opening, preventing further bacteria from infecting the tooth. Regular check-ups with your dentist are required to diagnose and repair your teeth in time to avoid a root canal treatment.
Aftercare
Despite its daunting reputation, root canal therapy is a safe and efficient method of relieving dental pain and preserving natural teeth. However, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a quick recovery and prevent complications.
After a root canal, you may experience discomfort for a few days or weeks. You can control this pain using an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, but if the discomfort is severe or protracted, consult your dental staff.
Till the anesthetic wears off, it’s crucial to refrain from chewing on the damaged tooth since this could harm the sensitive tissues. Regular oral hygiene is also recommended to keep the area clean and infection-free. Additionally, attending routine dental check-ups can help prevent future problems and detect issues early on.
