When Does a Tooth Need a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is needed to save and repair badly damaged or infected tooth. It’s a procedure of removing the infected tooth pulp or sometimes the nerve from a tooth and filling it and then sealing it to protect against future teeth pain.
The term ‘Root canal’ refers to the actual area within the tooth between the pulp and the tooth roots. Pulp is the soft tissue containing blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissues which helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. Root canal treatment is imperative when this pulp becomes inflamed or infected. If untreated, can cause severe pain or lead to an abscess.
Risk factors for tooth infection include:
- Deep decay
- Recent dental procedures
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- Severe gum disease
Consequences if proper care not taken:
If we do not take any immediate action at a right time, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause;
- Puffiness that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
- Loss of bone around the tip of the root
- Harmful drainage issues causing a hole that can occur through the side of the tooth
Do you really need a root canal treatment?
Only your dentist or an endodentist can determine whether a root canal will adequately treat your problem. If you notice tooth ache, swelling or tenderness on a frequent basis then you need contact your dentist right away. Depending on the severity of the problem, your dentist may recommend a root canal or a completely different or less invasive dental procedure.
Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need to watch out for are discussed below;
- Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple(s) on the gums
- Discoloration (or a darkening) of the tooth
Now let’s learn about the Root Canal Treatment and how it can relieve you’re your tooth pain and save your smile.
Root Canal Procedure:
Root canal process begins with filling the material (gutta percha) in the canals once endodontist x-rays and determine if there are any signs of infection in a surrounding bone. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling to protect it from contamination. Then a crown is usually placed over the tooth to cover and protect it from re-contamination and future damage.
Nevertheless, we need to keep in mind that this treatment actually helps to prevent the tooth from being lost and end the pain-causing inflammation. Also if taken proper dental care, root canal treatment can last for a lifetime.
Endodontic treatment at Dental Sphere helps you maintain your natural smile. So keep on eating your favorite food and enjoy!!
To know more about root canal treatment, root canal treatment cost in Pune, pain after treatment, etc, schedule an appointment with us at one of our clinics on Gangadham Shatrunjay Road, Kondhwa or in Mukund Nagar, Swargate in Pune
