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Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

01 / 06 / 2023

Why Do You Need a Root Canal? Exploring Causes and Symptoms

Are you experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity? Does chewing food cause discomfort in your mouth? If so, you may need a root canal. Despite its notorious reputation, a root canal is actually a common and effective dental procedure used to save damaged or infected teeth. In this blog post, we will explore the causes and symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal. Don’t ignore your dental health – read on to learn more!

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or is infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, and then sealing it to protect it from further damage. Root canals are usually performed by dentists, but can also be performed by endodontists (specialists who focus on treating teeth).

Root canals are necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves) becomes damaged or infected. This can happen due to an injury, deep decay, or a crack in the tooth. If left untreated, the pulp will die and the infection will spread to other parts of the mouth. In some cases, this can lead to abscesses (pockets of pus) forming in the jawbone. Abscesses can be painful and cause serious health problems if left untreated.

Symptoms of a damaged or infected pulp include: pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, swelling of the gums, and/or a bad taste in the mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible so they can determine if a root canal is necessary.

Root canals are generally safe procedures with a high success rate. However, like all medical procedures, there are some risks involved. These include: pain or discomfort during and after the procedure; infection; inflammation; and/ or damage to the surrounding teeth or tissues. Your dentist will be able to discuss these risks in more detail before the procedure.

What Causes a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it. A root canal can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in treating teeth).

There are several reasons why a person might need a root canal, but the most common cause is decay. When decay reaches the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), it can cause an infection. The infection can cause pain, swelling, and/or abscesses (pockets of pus). If left untreated, an infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Other causes of damage to the pulp include trauma to the tooth (from a fall or blow to the head, for example), cracks or chips in the tooth, and gum disease. In some cases, there may be no obvious reason why the pulp is damaged.

Symptoms of Needing a Root Canal

There are a few different symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal. If you have severe pain in your tooth that is worsened by chewing or biting, hot or cold temperatures, or pressure, you may need a root canal. You may also experience sensitivity to touch or pressure on the tooth, as well as swelling and tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist right away so they can determine if you need a root canal.

How Does the Treatment Work?

A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or is infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, as well as any debris. Once the area has been cleaned, it will be sealed with a filling or a crown.

The main goal of a root canal is to remove the damaged or infected tissue and save the tooth. This can help to prevent further damage to the tooth and reduce the risk of infection. Root canals can also help to improve the appearance of your smile by restoring a damaged or discolored tooth.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see your dentist right away. They will be able to determine if you need a root canal and provide you with more information on the procedure.

Risks and Complications of a Root Canal

There are a few risks and complications associated with root canals, though they are generally quite rare. The most common complication is an infection at the site of the procedure. This can usually be treated with antibiotics. In very rare cases, an abscess (a pocket of pus) can form around the tooth. This may require surgery to drain the abscess. Another rare complication is damage to the surrounding teeth or blood vessels during the procedure. This can usually be avoided by working with an experienced dentist or endodontist.

Alternatives to Root Canals

There are a few alternatives to root canals, depending on the severity of the tooth decay or infection. If the decay is caught early enough, a simple filling may be all that is needed to restore the tooth. However, if the decay has reached the pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth), a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. In some cases, an extraction may be the only option.

If you have any additional questions regarding your situation, please book an appointment with one of our dentists at GM Dental and Implant Centre. They will be able to assess you and provide with all options available to you.

Conclusion

All in all, root canals are a highly effective way to treat an infected tooth and save it from needing to be extracted. It is important for people to understand the causes of root canal infections as well as certain symptoms that indicate they may need this type of treatment. Knowing what signs to look out for could help you avoid further pain or complications down the road. If you do experience any unusual dental discomfort, make sure to see your dentist right away!

 

Book an Appointment

We have several Dental Clinics available to you, check the following ones to see which one is near to you.

London- GM Dental and Implant Centre Barnet – 27 Wood Street, Barnet, EN5 4BE – 020 8049 3103 Booking Link: bit.ly/gmbarnet

Kent- GM Dental and Implant Centre Rochester – 5 London Road, Rochester, ME2 3JA – 01634718882 Booking Link: bit.ly/rochimp

Kent- GM Dental and Implant Centre Ashford – 40 Elwick Rd, Ashford TN23 1NN – 01233803804 Booking Link: bit.ly/ashfimp

Most our practices will require you to have a consultation before beginning any dental treatment, in order to assess whether the procedure is suitable for you. During the consultation, your dentist will also be able to discuss the cost of the procedure, any possible side effects, and any alternative treatments available. Additionally, it is important to ask any questions that you might have before booking an appointment, in order to make sure that you are fully informed before proceeding.

 

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