A root canal treatment is one of the best ways to preserve your natural teeth. Despite the reputation the procedure has for pain or discomfort, modern dentistry has transformed this into relatively pain-free way to save a tooth. A root canal can help to repair, or help to prevent, a number of very serious oral issues.
Pain
A root canal is generally required when the pulp or nerve inside your tooth has been inflamed or infected. The pain this causes can be severe, and can affect your everyday life in a significant way.
Inflammation
An inflamed tooth nerve is frequently responsible for a root canal. This may not necessarily cause high levels of pain at first. However, the inflammation can build up in the tooth, resulting in pain and discomfort. A root canal treatment early on can prevent this from happening.
Infection
An infection in your tooth pulp can have serious effects if left untreated. As well as causing terrible pain, it can spread to other parts of your mouth and into the jawbone.
When infected, a hole in your tooth could cause drainage into your mouth, or skin. Your face and neck could swell. Bone and tissue loss around the tooth may follow. Eventually, an infection can lead to an abscess, and further complications.
A root canal can remove the infected tissue and save your tooth.
Non-vital tooth
A non-vital tooth is sometimes referred to as a dead tooth. This means there is no longer blood flow to the nerve inside the tooth. As well as causing pain while the nerve dies, these teeth are dark and unsightly.
Your dentist may be able to save a dying tooth with a root canal. Otherwise, the tooth may need to be removed, and replaced by a prosthetic such as a tooth implant.
Broken tooth
If your tooth is broken or chipped, the barrier against harmful bacteria is broken. Inflammation or infection can soon follow, and you may need a root canal as a result. If your teeth have been damaged, it is best to see a dentist right away, to avoid complications.
A broken filling can also result in making other teeth more vulnerable teeth increase the likelihood of infection. Regular dental check-ups can help ensure your fillings are properly maintained.
Trauma
If you have experienced an injury or physical trauma to your head or mouth, this may result in inflamed tooth pulp. The pulp can react to the trauma even if the exterior of the tooth has not been damaged in any way. The resulting pain or inflammation may require a root canal treatment.
Previous dental work
In some cases, repeated dental work can result in damage to the root of the tooth. The repeated procedures may allow inflammation or infection to occur. If a filling has been performed poorly, or is too large, this can lead to complications requiring root canal treatment.
Dental crowns
If you need a dental crown, your dentist may perform a root canal treatment first. Not every patient will require this. The root canal will only be needed if there is a cavity is very near to the root of the tooth.
A root canal treatment may accompany a crown procedure before or after the dentist makes and implants the crown. Sometimes, despite best intentions, infection can take root after the crown is in place, requiring a root canal procedure.
Prevent darkening
While your dental health is the priority when it comes to root canal treatments, the cosmetic results should also be considered. An infected or inflamed root can result in a darkened tooth.
Similarly, leaving a tooth infection or inflammation untreated may eventually require an extraction. These effects can have a significant impact on the appearance of your smile.
