What Is Root Canal, and When Is It Needed?
Have you been experiencing problems with your tooth and wondering if you need a root canal? Root canal treatments are performed when the pulp of your tooth becomes infected and inflamed due to tooth decay, broken or cracked tooth, or a tooth injury. These things cause tooth pain which makes you look for much-needed relief. If you visit your St. clair ave west dentist and recommend a root canal treatment, here is some information on when the treatment is needed. Also, what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth infection at the pulp. The process is not painful and can help save your tooth that could have been extracted.
Why Is It needed?
It helps treat the infection at the center of your tooth. The infection is caused by bacteria in the mouth invading one’s tooth. This happens after:
- Leaky fillings
- Tooth decay
- Damage to the tooth resulting from a fall or trauma
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
Are you wondering what are the signs that a root canal is the answer to your tooth pain? The most common sign is when your pulp is damaged or infected. Also, it is important to inform your dentist about any of these signs since root canals aren’t scary anymore:
Severe Pain
Having any form of pain in your mouth is unpleasant, and you should mention it to your St. clair ave west dentist, but some forms of pain might signify root canal pain.
If you’re experiencing a spontaneous pain that hits you like a wave, you might be dead or infected. This may require a root canal. Also, when your tooth or gums hurt when you stay in certain positions and feel pressure on your face or tooth when you bend and lay down. This might also be root canal pain.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A cracked or chipped tooth is a two-fold sign that may require a root canal. For one, if the tooth cracked or chipped due to trauma that later caused an infection and inflammation to the pulp. Secondly, your tooth may be infected or decayed, and the crack and chip result from it being dead. Regardless of the two ways, you’ll likely need a root canal to try and save the remaining part of your tooth.
An Abscess
Your dentist will see an abscess through an x-ray as a dark spot during your regular visits. It is a hole in the jawbone. Your dentist should inform you about it if you have one and advise you on what to do.
How Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
When getting your root canal treatment from Arlington Dental in Toronto, ON, you will require two office visits which will include the following steps:
First, your dental professional will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding gums. After that, your dentist will place a dental dam on your tooth that will keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
Your dentist will use small dental tools to access the inside of your tooth. Next, they’ll clear away the infected pulp from the inside of your tooth by using small files. The same files will also be used to shape the root and rinse the inside chamber to prevent more pulp infection.
Once the dentist is done cleaning and drying the chamber, they’ll fill it with a rubber-like material referred to as gutta-percha. Then a temporary filling will be placed on your tooth to close the opening while waiting for the permanent crown.
After a few weeks, you’ll go for your second appointment, where your dentist will complete the procedure by placing a permanent crown on your tooth and removing the temporary one.
After the Procedure
After getting your root canals in Toronto, ON, ensure you maintain a good oral care routine. This is by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings. You might also decide to schedule additional visits to your St. clair ave west dentist to ensure that there are no more infections on the treated tooth. With excellent care, your root canal can stay healthy for a lifetime.