Why might I need a root canal?
Your tooth has pulp on the inside, which can become infected with bacteria as a result of a deep cavity or traumatic injury. Only your dentist can examine the tooth and confirm whether you need this dental surgery, since pulp damage may happen even if there are no visible cracks or chips in the tooth.
A tooth that has developed a severe infection on the inside can be saved with root canal therapy (also known as endodontics). The tooth would die without a root canal, and you would have to have it extracted. Missing teeth can cause serious dental problems that are difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to fix. If at all possible, it is always preferable to save the tooth with a root canal.
A root canal can preserve your tooth and alleviate symptoms such as:
Severe Toothache Pain
If the tooth pulp is infected, it will often feel painful. You may notice sharp pain whenever you apply pressure to the tooth, such as during chewing. There also might be sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Bump on the Gums
This small, pimple-like bump forms on the gums near a tooth that may need a root canal and is also known as a dental cyst. Dental cysts form around the roots of a tooth that is infected or decayed. They can also form if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.
Darkening of the Tooth
Infected pulp may cause a tooth to darken in colour due to internal damage. If you notice one of your teeth is a darker shade than the others, there may be an issue with the inner pulp.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
With modern dental technology and techniques, root canal therapy has become a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure when compared with a tooth extraction or other procedures.
Before your dentist uses a specialized tool to create an opening in the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The bacteria, diseased blood vessels or dead tissue will then be removed from the interior of the tooth. The tooth's inner chamber will be shaped and irrigated with water, rinsing away any remaining diseased tissue.
Your dentist may also apply an antimicrobial solution to eliminate any remaining bacteria and decrease your risk of further infection.
After the chamber has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it will be filled with medicated dental material. Your dentist will then place a temporary filling to seal the tooth until a permanent crown is placed.
A few weeks later, the permanent dental crown will be placed to protect the tooth from damage.
If you're interested in hearing about other people's root canal experiences, type "root canal reviews" into your favourite search engine and read up on the subject. The majority of root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime, giving you confidence in your smile.
Do you have questions about root canal therapy, and how this procedure can help you? Our Kamloops dentists can explain the process and answer any inquiries you may have. Contact us today.