Your teeth’s roots contain thin apertures known as canals that harbor nerve fibers and blood vessels that supply sensation and nourishment to your teeth. These veins and nerves play a critical function in the integrity of your teeth; thus, if infected or decayed may result in significant discomfort. Luckily, endodontic therapy at Intelligent Dental Group can help. Endodontics/root canal treatment New York, NY, focuses on fixing the compromised tooth by eliminating the pulp within the tooth and refilling the canal to cover the gap. As a result, this procedure helps preserve your natural smile, alleviate discomfort from chewing so that you may keep enjoying your favorite foods, and reduce the need for future dental work. Continue reading to learn more about root canal therapy, including when to contact a dentist and what to expect with your treatment.
When Is A Root Canal Necessary?
Whenever your tooth exhibits indications of infection or severe pulpal nerve damage, your dentist might propose a root canal. If a tooth is fractured or has a deep cavity, germs can infiltrate the pulp, which, if it remains unaddressed, could result in severe infection, bone deterioration, or tooth loss.
Typical reasons for pulpal nerve damage include:
- Tooth trauma that causes nerve tissue damage, such as a sport-related mouth injury
- A fractured or cracked tooth with pulp exposure
- Physical discomfort induced by extensive dental decay that penetrates the nerve or filling. When this occurs, pathogenic germs can enter the nerve and pulp, causing infection and deterioration.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Pulpal Damage?
The warning signs of pulpal damage might vary from one person to another. However, the most prevalent include:
- Toothache when chewing
- Tooth hypersensitivity to hot or cold beverages
- Swelling and sensitivity of adjacent gums
- Graying or discoloration of the teeth
- Facial or gum swelling
Occasionally, no symptoms appear. Thus, arranging routine dental checkups is vital as your dentist can spot these concerns early on.
What To Expect With A Root Canal Treatment?
Often, a root canal is a standard procedure performed to ease dental discomfort and preserve the tooth’s structure. Your dentist will provide anesthetics to numb the region and avoid discomfort before the treatment. Then, after carefully removing the contaminated portion of the tooth canal, your dentist cleans and readies the root canal for filling. After filling your tooth, a sealant is used to conceal the opening on the upper side of your tooth.
In most instances, a tooth that has had root canal treatment will have outcomes that are problem-free forever. Nonetheless, complications like infection and toothache might occur. If so, you must consult your dentist about the necessary measures to adopt, including:
- Self-check the treated region
- Clean your teeth gently
- Consume soft foods
- Arrange follow-up appointments
Call to Action
Ultimately, one of the many misunderstandings surrounding root canals is that the therapy is unpleasant as this procedure targets to preserve your tooth and restore your oral health to its best. Besides, innovative techniques and modern technologies like the ones at Intelligent Dental Group render root canals quite painless, and highly effective. Schedule a consultation today through mobile or request online to discuss your concerns and determine if root canal treatment is appropriate for you.