Toothaches remind us that dental health is vital and that everyone should adopt good oral practices and visit the dentist at least twice a year. Many people reduce their chance of developing oral problems and save their teeth by undergoing a root canal.
What is a root canal?
Root canal is also called endodontic therapy. It is the treatment of inside a decayed or infected tooth. The purpose of a root canal is to eliminate an infection while preserving the tooth. This will prevent it from further complications and future infections. The center of the tooth (pulp) is a rarely noticed part of the tooth that is surrounded by nerves and blood vessels. The nerves are responsible for sensing cold and hot temperature as pain. A painful tooth is an indication that the pulp is irritated or damaged and requires immediate medical attention.
When the tooth’s pulp is affected, disease-causing organisms like bacteria gain access to the tooth, creating additional problems. Some tooth infections can go unnoticed for a long time. This is why it is important to regularly see the dentists for a detailed evaluation of whether a patient needs a root canal. This is done by determining whether the infection is present and whether the nerves could be recovered. Root canals are painless and are done using state-of-the-art medical equipment, modern technology, and aesthetics to facilitate an efficient and quick process.
Why you may need a root canal
Infected teeth have several symptoms like swelling of the tooth or gums, tooth sensitivity to cold and hot meals, pain in the tooth or gums, and visible injury. Such symptoms indicate that immediate dental expertise is required. Depending on the severity of a problem, a dentist is likely to recommend a painless non-surgical procedure to solve the problem.
An infected tooth undergoes some procedures that start with the elimination of the nerve affected. It is then cleaned and shaped using fillers. The last procedure is placing a crown on the tooth to return it to its original shape. Most root canals guarantee 90 percent success. If there’s any indication that a dental problem may not need a root canal, dental health professionals will provide available alternatives.
Is the procedure safe?
The answer is yes. Considering the world has witnessed profound technological changes in the past few years, there are higher chances of being misled by wrong information. Several articles question the safety of undergoing endodontic therapy. This claims, however, are based on unproven research. The truth is that root canal procedures are safe. In fact, most people that undergo the procedure have a minimal chance of developing more problems. No authentic research has been made to prove that endodontic therapy has adverse effects on patients. The American Association of Endodontists has conducted several studies on the importance of this service.
What happens after treatment?
Once a root canal is done, the dentist will give instructions on managing pain and care for the affected tooth. Patients may feel tenderness and soreness in the mouth as it heals. Mild conditions, however, can be taken care of by the medication provided. However, patients who experience abnormal conditions after treatment should seek medical attention immediately. Such conditions include; prolonged pain for more than a few days, uneven bite, swelling, and allergic reaction to the medication.