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Jun 25, 2024
The root canal is one of the most well-known dental treatments because most people suffer from tooth decay. While the percentage of children with damaged teeth is around 33% in the country, the figure for adults is alarming at 90%. Cavities are the most common problem affecting children and adults and can occur because of poor oral hygiene and high sugar consumption. These are recognised by holes on the surface of teeth that make way for bacteria and lead to damage.
Root canal treatment can save decaying teeth from further damage and restrict infection. It saves the natural tooth from severe infection and is prescribed by dentists in Hope Island after examining the condition of the tooth. The procedure helps to remove the decayed part and cover the cavity to protect the pulp and root. Let us help you understand when a root canal is necessary and what to expect from it. This information will help you identify the problem and treat it on time.
When Is A Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
A root canal is necessary when a tooth develops deep cavities that cannot be treated with dental fillings. The bacterial infection usually causes nerve damage in the pulp, which can lead to bone loss and even tooth loss if not treated. The dentist can identify it with a dental x-ray and it generally causes a lot of pain and inflammation of the pulp. The infection can spread to other teeth and must be treated immediately.
The pulp is the soft tissue present at the centre of the tooth. It is protected by the dentine and the hard outer coating known as enamel. During pulp infection, bacteria enter the chamber after breaking through the enamel and dentine and start multiplying.
Signs That Show You Need a Root Canal Treatment
The best way to identify a root canal is by visiting a reputed dentist in Hope Island who can diagnose the extent of damage correctly and prescribe the right treatment. However, some symptoms can help detect the need for a root canal without a dental x-ray. These include:
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Extreme Tooth Pain that Does Not Subside
One of the common symptoms that indicate severe tooth decay is continuous pain in the tooth that is hard to bear. It may subside for a few hours but may come back again. The pain can spread out to the jaw and the entire face. However, persistent tooth pain also occurs in case of gum disease, so it is vital to visit the dentist and get it checked.
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Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Individuals can experience cracked or chipped teeth due to an accident, contact sports, or a fall. If they neglect it, the cracks will allow bacteria to enter the inner layers and cause infection that can damage the tooth. Thus, a root canal becomes necessary in this condition.
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Acute Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity that does not go away easily can indicate the need for root canal treatment. Individuals who feel a sharp pain in their teeth when eating or drinking hot or cold food and beverages must visit their Hope Island dentist for a check-up. Usually, persistent sensitivity is a result of damaged nerves and blood vessels in the tooth.
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Inflamed and Swollen Gums
Swollen and inflamed gums are a sign of an infected tooth or gum disease. If the condition lingers and is painful to touch, your practitioner must examine it. The swelling around the root top results from the acidic waste produced by the dead pulp tissues. It can be seen as a boil on the gums or a pocket of pus that can ooze out and create a bad taste in the mouth.
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A Discoloured Tooth
If you notice your tooth has become discoloured, it indicates internal tissue damage that affects the root. This type of symptom is usually seen in the front teeth and occurs because of restricted blood supply to the pulp due to damage. However, tooth discolouration can occur because of excessive smoking and injury to the tooth. So, you must get it examined by a professional.
What to Expect from a Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is not painful because your dentist in Hope Island will administer local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and gums before the procedure. The X-ray of the tooth helps determine the extent of the infection, and the practitioner uses a drill to access the infection and remove the pulp. They eliminate the bacteria and other debris by scraping the root canal and flushing the debris out.
After the cleaning, they seal the tooth with a filling to cover the drilled hole. Finally, the natural appearance of the tooth is restored with the help of a crown. The treatment can last a lifetime, and recovery time is not more than 3-4 days. The treatment can be completed in 2-3 appointments.
Wrapping Up
Root canal is a powerful treatment necessary when a tooth is damaged by bacterial infection. It ensures that the tooth does not have to be extracted and can be repaired effectively.
