A root canal is an important treatment to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost to damage or infection. When a tooth infection occurs, the symptoms can be severe and upsetting, especially if they start in the middle of the night. It is advisable to promptly seek treatment for a decaying, infected, or damaged tooth, as the problem will only worsen. Continue reading to find out how a root canal can save your tooth.
When infection sets into a tooth, the pulp and nerves in its inner layer start to decay. The root canal is an interventive treatment that removes the inflamed or infected portion of the tooth’s core. The dentist has the skills and experience to detect infections in a tooth and provide treatment to save the tooth since the alternative would be extracting it. Considering that an adult tooth does not grow back after removal, attempts should be made to save it before extraction is considered.
The dentist will thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canals and the pulp chamber during the root canal procedure. Then, the tooth will be filled and sealed to avert reinfection. If the procedure is not done, the tooth infection or damage will only worsen, causing severe pain and eventual tooth loss. In addition, the infection may spread to the gums and other teeth, causing further health complications. Root canals save the teeth by eliminating the infection and strengthening the remaining tooth structure against damage.
If a tooth is removed, patients will need to start thinking of replacing it to prevent jawbone deterioration. However, tooth replacement options like dental implants often take time and cost money. In comparison, root canal therapy is simple, effective, and has a high success rate.
The symptoms associated with tooth infection often indicate the need for a root canal. Some of the symptoms are noticeable and include teeth sensitivity, gum and tooth pain, sores around the gums, swollen and inflamed gums, and darkening of the tooth and gums.
Patients should never overlook or postpone treatment for a tooth infection, even if they are experiencing limited pain. People often shun treatment because they hope the tooth will heal naturally, but this never happens. If the pain from a tooth infection stops, the nerve tissues are dead, and the infection will continue to spread. In this case, patients are encouraged to book an appointment with the dentist and have the problem resolved as soon as possible.
Root canals are performed with a local anesthetic, so there is no need to worry about pain during the treatment. The dentist will ensure that the procedure goes smoothly to give their patients a smooth experience. As with all major dental procedures, mild pain or discomfort may occur afterward. However, the pain will subside after a few days. The discomfort is nothing like the pain associated with tooth infections or the tooth extraction process.
You should never ignore a tooth infection. If you have noticed signs of infection or pain, you should contact a dental professional for an evaluation.
Below are frequently asked questions about root canal treatment:
The root canal procedure is as painless as any other dental procedure like fillings. When a tooth is infected, the patient has excruciating agony. The treatment is meant to alleviate the pain, not worsen it. You will not feel a thing when the therapy is carried out since the dentist will have numbed the region beforehand.
It is critical to have an infected tooth treated right away to prevent further dental problems. Removing the affected tooth is an option in place of a root canal. However, wherever feasible, dentists advise that patients keep their original teeth. Bridges and implants may be used to restore missing teeth. However, they cannot compare to the real thing. Root canal therapy saves patients from having to have teeth extracted. The alternative—extraction followed by installing an implant or bridge—can be rather pricey, so it is good to know that root canal treatment is less expensive.
The remaining structure becomes compromised when the pulp is taken out of a tooth. Yet dental restorations like an onlay or dental crown may fortify the tooth. After completing the root canal procedure, the dentist will give the necessary care to restore the health and integrity of your tooth.
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