A root canal treatment is a dental operation that removes damaged pulp tissue from the interior of a tooth. The roots are filed using flexible nickel titanium files after the thin channels beneath the pulp chamber in the inner part of the tooth are hollowed out and cleaned. Every year, root canals repair and save an estimated 17 million teeth. Keep your tooth and eliminate the agony — that seems preferable than a tooth extraction, doesn’t it?
A tooth is made up of three primary layers: a hard protective shell called enamel, a softer and more sensitive middle layer called dentin, and a soft tissue inner layer called dental pulp. Dental pulp is the important portion of a tooth and is made up of nerve tissue, lymph tissue, and blood vessels. If the dental pulp is sufficiently traumatized – whether through exposure to oral bacteria through deep dental caries, a fracture in the tooth that enters the pulp, or a forceful blow to the face – the tooth begins to die, and root canal therapy is frequently required to prevent or eliminate infection and tooth loss.
A root canal procedure entails cleaning the tooth and removing any debris (nerve tissue, lymph tissue, blood tissue, germs, and infection) from the coronal pulp chamber and its related canals. Once the canals of an afflicted tooth have been properly cleansed and shaped, they are filled with materials meant to prevent recurrence of discomfort and infection. A seal must be made at the tip of the root; otherwise, the danger of failure is significantly enhanced. Any leaking into the root canal increases the likelihood of failure.
Infection Symptoms
Certain symptoms may indicate that you have a sick tooth or an infected nerve, necessitating a root canal. Among these indicators are:
- Pain ranges from mild to severe.
- Discoloration of the teeth.
- Swelling and inflammation of the gum tissue in the surrounding area.
- Infection symptoms might be seen on a radiograph.
- Temperature sensitivity that is moderate to severe.
- The inability to chew.
- In such cases, dentists often recommend a root canal to save the afflicted tooth and preserve its functionality.
Why Are the Toothaches So Excruciating?
The root canals include nerve fibers, blood, and lymph tissues. Each tooth has a pulp chamber that drains into those canals.
Several factors can cause a tooth to become inflamed or infected, including serious tooth decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma. Failing restorations, such as dental fillings and crowns, can allow bacteria to enter the dental pulp. Once infected, the dental pulp begins to die as a result of the body’s inflammatory responses. The combination of infection and inflammation can result in excruciating pain. As a result, you have a toothache.
If tooth extraction is the only option, the missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge to retain functionality. A correct bite is maintained and the neighboring teeth are kept from shifting by replacing the lost tooth. Because a serious infection can be quite harmful, it is critical to seek professional help from a dentist who can investigate the source of a toothache. If an infection spreads from the jaw to the head and neck, more comprehensive medical care, including hospitalization, may be necessary.
Choosing the Best Dentist for Root Canals
When seeking treatment for a damaged tooth, it can be beneficial to speak with an endodontist immediately. Questions and concerns can be addressed, and an evaluation can be performed to identify the best course of action, which may include root canal therapy or other surgeries. Contact Agoura Family Smiles today to learn more or to schedule a consultation appointment.
