A root canal therapy is recommended as a treatment to preserve your teeth and stop the spread of decay and infection. Without proper treatment, your gums can be infected and an abscess may form thereby aggravating the problem. In this post, we provide you with all the information on the root canal to help you make an informed decision.
Why Is Root Canal Procedure Done?
Our teeth contain a pulp cavity that houses connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. In mature teeth, the pulp chamber serves a minimal purpose. However, when it becomes infected, it can cause unbearable pain and affect the surrounding tissues. Poor dental hygiene is the primary cause of pulp inflammation. Furthermore, cracks and chips in your teeth can cause bacteria to fester and lead to decay. Other causes include repeated dental procedures, trauma, disease, and large dental filling.
A root canal is done to remove the decay and stop the spread.
How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms such as lingering tooth sensitivity, tender, and bleeding gums, pimples on the gums, and severe pain when eating indicate you need a root canal. Visit the endodontist near you in Chicago, IL for an assessment when you feel discomfort.Where Can I Go for the Treatment?
The root canal treatment can be performed by your dentist or endodontist. An endodontist is trained and skilled in diagnosing, treating, and preventing pulp inflammation. The choice of who to go to for treatment depends on the severity of your dental condition and the complexity of the procedure. At Ganger Family Dentistry, we have an endodontist qualified to diagnose and treat dental pulp inflammation.
How Is the Procedure Done?
You will need two dental visits and the procedure is done in several steps:
A dental examination is done to evaluate your dental health. Anesthesia will be administered and a protective sheet is placed to separate and shield the teeth from saliva and moisture.
Your teeth will be cleaned, reshaped, and a filling will be applied to seal the place
On the final visit, the dentist will fix the crown to protect the teeth from infection. It is vital to use dental crowns because the root canal weakens the teeth. The dental crowns will strengthen the teeth and restore function.
No, the root canal treatment isn’t painful because our dentist will use anesthesia to numb the area. However, you will experience pain after the anesthesia wears off. Plus, there will be sensitivity and swelling of the gums, but these can be relieved with pain medications.
Root Canal Kills the Tooth; Is That True?
No. Root canal treatment is done to save the tooth and restore its function.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Recovery Process?
Soft foods that require less chewing will be ideal in the first few days after the procedure. Also, avoid hard, hot, and spicy foods that can affect your gums and teeth.
Can Root Canal Therapy Fail?
Yes, root canal treatment can fail. Several factors such as loose crowns and multiple canals can cause a re-infection. Luckily, if reinfection occurs, our dentist in Chicago. IL can perform another procedure to correct the situation.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Get the Pulp Treated?
Left untreated, the decay can lead to tooth extraction and the loss of your permanent teeth is detrimental to your dental structure and appearance.
Furthermore, the infection can spread to the rest of the body causing sepsis, a widespread inflammation of the body. Sepsis is life-threatening and can cause death.
Will My Teeth Get Discolored?
Yes, sometimes the gums can get slightly discolored and develop stains. The good news is our dentist in Chicago, IL can perform professional teeth whitening to remove the stains.
Root Canal procedure can save your teeth, but only if done by a qualified dentist. When you experience any of the symptoms of the root canal, contact us for an appointment. Our dental team will assess and treat your infection while preventing complications.
