Nothing feels, appears, or functions like natural teeth. Thus, they need the right care for ensuring the smile lasts for a lifetime. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, your natural teeth can be saved and retained for a more extended period. One of the most popular treatments to save a severely infected tooth is the root canal treatment. It is also referred to as endodontic treatment.
Endodontics is an area of dentistry that focuses on treating injuries or diseases concerning the dental pulp. Dentists who practice endodontics undergo advanced training in performing root canal procedures. They are experts in using technology for ensuring the patient is treated quickly, and without any discomfort.
Modern root canal procedure
The enamel protects the hard tissue called dentin, and the dentin covers the pulp chamber. The area consists of blood vessels and nerves of the tooth. Patients who ignore cavities for longer may end up with decay/infection reaching the pulp chamber. Dentists have no other option but to remove the infected areas of the tooth, including the pulp, and replace the same with filling material. The procedure is known as the root canal.
First, the infected tooth is numbed, and special tools are used for making an opening in the crown allowing the instruments to reach the pulp chamber. The canals are cleaned, and a fluid is released in the same for cleaning the debris and ensuring there’re no bacteria or infected tissues left behind. The pulp is removed, and canals are once again rinsed and shaped with the help of small instruments. The pulp chamber is filled with gutta-percha and sealing cement. A crown is then placed on the operated tooth. If the cover is temporary, your dentist will fix another appointment to check the tooth and attach the permanent crown at a later stage. The operated tooth can even last for a lifetime if the patient maintains proper oral hygiene.
The process has a high rate of success. An experienced dentist can ensure there’re no missed root canals and no unclean accessory canals in the tooth that are in an abnormal position. The specialist may recommend endodontic surgery if the infection reaches the gum even after performing a root canal.
Causes and symptoms of endodontic issues
There are no words that can portray the excruciating pain that the patients with problems in dental pulp end up suffering.
Spontaneous pain, swelling, biting pressure, sensitivity to cold or hot food items, are some of the most common signs that indicate endodontic issues.
Minor sensitivity can be a result of the exposed tooth root, minimal gum recession, a loose filling, or small decay. However, these signs should also be evaluated by the dentist for ensuring the problem remains away from the root.
The most common causes of endodontic issues are cracks, infection, trauma, and, most importantly, dental decay. These issues become more significant, and treatment becomes complicated when ignored for months.
Sharp pain, while biting, indicates damage related to the pulp tissue or tissues around the tooth. Lingering pain after consuming something hot or cold is an indication that the pulp has suffered irreversible damage. Such patients must visit a dental clinic to save the tooth with root canal treatment. Remember, painkillers cannot be a permanent solution.
How to avoid a root canal?
The best way to avoid endodontic issues is by practicing oral hygiene, avoiding acidic drinks and food, and not eating hard food items. Individuals with weaker teeth should not consume crunchy foods. Experts suggest, wearing mouth guards while participating in sports involving physical contact can prove to be a superb precautionary measure. Regular dental checkups and ensuring even a small cavity does not remain unattended can secure your teeth against endodontic issues.
Is the procedure safe?
According to the data highlighted by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), every year, more than 15 million root canal surgeries are performed in the country. A root canal helps in saving the natural tooth, unlike dental implants.
A root canal is not a painful procedure. These days, surgeons and endodontists are highly trained to handle patients who have dental phobia as well. Studies conducted by the AAE also indicate that as many as 89-percent of the patients who are scared of dental procedures feel satisfied after undergoing a root canal. It is advisable to opt for a dental clinic that’s specialized in such treatments.
As the world is fighting against the COVID19 pandemic, some dental offices remain open only to handle dental emergencies. But thankfully, several dentists are using Teledentistry to guide their patients. If you are searching for Root Canal Dentist Roswell (GA), you should consider getting in touch with TruCare Dentistry.