What Causes Root Canal?

What Causes Root Canal?

Jun 01, 2021

A root canal is a procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly infected or decayed. Root canal treatment is a type of endodontic treatment. It involves the removal of the soft inner part of a tooth, the pulp.

The pulp is made up of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that help grow the root of the tooth during its development. After eliminating the infected tooth pulp, the inside is disinfected, filled, and sealed.

When is Root Canal Treatment Needed?

There are so many factors responsible for the pulp damage. Some of the common causes include:

  • A crack or chip in the tooth.
  • Deep decay due to untreated cavities allows harmful bacteria to reach down at soft tissues.
  • An injury to the tooth.
  • Repeated dental procedures on a tooth or large fillings.
  • Trauma or accidental blow to the tooth.

When a tooth nerve tissue or pulp is damaged or breaks down, then the bacteria begin to multiply in the pulp chamber that causes an infection.

When the infection spreads at the root of the tooth, an abscess may form. The tooth and the surrounding area may be painful and can cause swelling.

Key Indicators for the Need of Root Canal Treatment

  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Sharp pain or discomfort while chewing and biting.
  • Pimples on your gum.
  • Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.

If you are feeling any of the root canal symptoms. Consult with the Holland River Dental to get healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

A completely developed tooth can survive even without the pulp. It’s because the teeth continue to be nourished by the tissues nearby them. A tooth nerve’s only function is to give the sensation of hot or cold. So, a tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a teeth’s function and health after your tooth has come through its gums.

Most people worry about the treatment. Decades ago, root canal treatments were painful. But with advancement in technology and local anesthetics, it does not cause any pain or just a little pain.

Your dentist will take an X-ray to determine if there are any signs of infections in a surrounding bone. The dentist uses anesthesia to numb the area. Your dental expert places a rubber dam to keep the area dry and free of saliva.

In the next step bacteria, pulp, and decayed nerve tissues are removed from the tooth. After this, the area is cleaned out using a root canal series. They are placed into an access hole to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canal. After that, water is sprayed to flush out the debris.

Once the tooth is cleaned, the dentist will seal the tooth on the same day. In case of infection, your dentist may put a medication inside the tooth and wait for a week. Meanwhile, your dentist will do the temporary filling.

At the next appointment, a filling will put in to close the hole that was created at the initial of the treatment. In case of extensive decay or a large filling, you may also need a dental crown or other restoration to protect and restore your tooth to its full function.

After the Procedure

For the first few days, you may feel sensitivity due to inflammation. It’s wise to reduce chewing on the tooth under repair. So, you should avoid hard and sticky foods. If you are feeling any type of pain or discomfort, root canal pain can be relieved with antibiotics.

Taking care of your tooth and gums is necessary after a root canal. Make sure to follow proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing a day, and taking dental exams twice a year. With proper care, a tooth with a root canal stays healthy for a lifetime.

If you suspect that you have a dental issue that can be resolved only with a root canal. Most people are scared that it will be painful. Continuing with a damaged tooth can be more painful than undergoing a root canal procedure. With the right dentist, it will not be a scary one. Call and schedule an appointment for root canal treatment in Bradford, ON.

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