Why You Should Go for Root Canal Treatment When You Have a Tooth Infection
Does your tooth hurt, or are your gums sensitive? Do you have a difficult time chewing or swallowing food? If this describes you, then you might have a tooth infection. Tooth infections can be a painful experience. If you don’t seek immediate root canal treatment in Concord, NH, it can lead to severe complications, such as tooth loss or the infection spreading to the rest of the body.
Tooth infection has been linked to other severe conditions, such as heart disease. Therefore, visiting our experienced Endodontist in Concord, NH, can help you maintain your dental and overall health.
The Basic Facts About Root Canal Therapy
Your tooth has a hollow part that has nerve tissue, blood vessels, and pulp. This hollow part of the tooth is known as the root canal. It is soft and protected by a hard outer covering (enamel). The purpose of the pulp is to moisturize the tooth’s surrounding areas and to nourish the tooth.
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in treating the softer parts of the tooth. In other words, dental endodontics aims to treat the pulp, which is inflamed, infected, or dead.
The procedure is done to remove the damaged pulp so that your teeth can get back to normal. Contrary to what people believe, this treatment is painless and is done to eradicate pain and treat the infection.
Why Should the Pulp Be Removed?
Tooth decay creates holes in the enamel that will eventually lead to the soft inner part. This then causes the pulp to become infected or damaged. Over time, the nerves and pulp get damaged and start to break down. This provides the necessary breeding ground for bacteria to multiply in the root canal.
The bacteria and the decayed debris eventually cause you to have an infection (abscess). This is when the infection has spread and has gone beyond the tooth root to form a pus-filled pocket.
Besides getting an infection, the following can happen:
- Swelling that spreads to the head, neck, or face
- Drainage problems that spread to the gums
- Bone loss close to the tooth root
Large fillings, facial trauma, repeated invasive dental procedures, cracked
teeth, or trauma can also cause your pulp and nerves to get damaged.
Although infected pulp tissue containing nerves will be removed, you will not lose normal tooth functions. Once your teeth have matured, your nerves only play a sensory role. In other words, nerves only help you to experience cold and hot sensations.
How Do You Know that You Need Root Canal Treatment?
You should contact our Endodontist near you if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pimples on your gums
- Tender or swollen gums around the tooth
- Severe toothaches when you are eating or chewing
- Any darkening or discolorations of the affected tooth and the gums
- A prolonged period of sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages
- A cracked or chipped tooth
How Is the Procedure Done?
It is done in three stages and can take anywhere between one and three visits. The following steps will be carried out:
- Removing the Infected Pulp in the Root Canal
Our Endodontist in Concord, NH, will commence the procedure by numbing the area surrounding the affected tooth. After the anesthesia has kicked in, our Endodontist will have to drill to gain access. After gaining access, our dentist will remove the decayed debris and bacteria.
- Preparing the Root Canal
Our Endodontist near you will ensure that all the debris is removed. Then the root canal will be shaped. After the area is shaped, our Endodontist will flood it with solutions to disinfect and clean it. Our Endodontist will seal the area using a rubber-like material.
- Covering the Tooth
After removing the pulp, your tooth will become fragile since it is not being nourished. However, the ligament that is attached to the tooth and bone will provide nourishment to the tooth. This nourishment is enough to keep the tooth healthy.
You will still need a filling or a crown to protect the tooth from further damage. A crown is a better option because it can help cover the brittle tooth.
If you would like to get relief from a tooth infection, contact our dentist in Concord, NH, at Concord Dental Associates to schedule an appointment for root canal treatment.