Dentists consider root canal treatment as the best solution to saving your severely decayed tooth from extraction. However, patients dread this procedure because of its associating discomfort. Especially with the use of traditional dental drills, patients immediately think that the process is going to be painful. Due to this factor, so many patients delay treatment and end up with a lost tooth.
That’s why dental practitioners today see to it that they adapt the modern technologies in dental treatment. Most clinics now use laser-assisted tools to remove tooth infection while ensuring accuracy and comfort. Also, digital dental scanners are more precise and detailed in detecting root canal infection symptoms.
How does root canal treatment work?
Every tooth has an internal chamber called a root canal. Within the root canal lies soft tissues, including the pulp and nerves. When your tooth fully erupts from the gums, it no longer makes use of the nerves. The only function these tissues serve is for sensory providing hot or cold sensation. Without these nerves, the tooth can still fully function. However, if the soft tissues are damaged due to trauma, bacteria will develop in the pulp chamber. The presence of bacteria within the tooth pulp is the reason why patients suffer tooth abscess or infection. If this is the case, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy to save your tooth from removal.
Delaying treatment will worsen the infection. If you have an abscessed tooth, it will be filled with pus that causes severe dental pain. Aside from that, the affected site might swell and infection may spread on the face and neck. Infected tooth roots will also lead to bone deterioration.
These root canal infection symptoms indicate that you will need immediate treatment. With the root canal process, the tooth chamber is thoroughly cleaned. Moreover, this procedure will permanently prevent the recurrence of the infection as the root canal specialist fills the tooth.
Root canal process
The root canal therapy may take one to two visits to the dentist or endodontist. An endodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating problems in your tooth that involve the inner tissues and nerves. Depending on the severity of your tooth problem, your dentist will decide if you need the expertise of an endodontist.
The first appointment entails dental assessment to make sure that this is the right treatment for you. Your dentist takes your dental X-ray to see the full structure of your teeth and locate the affected area. This step also helps your dentist determine the severity of your tooth’s issue and to what extent the process may take.
After the evaluation, these steps will take place:
- Your dentist will numb the site near the affected tooth.
- The tooth will be isolated, kept clean, and dry using a rubber dam.
- The drilling on the tooth will begin to access the source of the infection.
- Your dentist will remove the infected nerves and pulp.
- Cleansing will continue, and the tooth chamber will be polished and rinsed.
- Medication in the root canal may be necessary to disinfect the tooth.
- Finally, the Oshawa dentist will permanently seal the tooth with a filling.
This procedure can be extensive or simple, and it all depends on how you care for your teeth. Once you notice an infection on the site after the root canal procedure, see your dentist urgently. Save your smile, and don’t lose that confidence.
