Guide To Root Canal Treatments
Dental root canal treatments often have a stigma about them. This is because when these procedures were first done there was often a lot of pain and discomfort felt during and after the treatment. However, dental advancements made over the last few decades have made root canal treatments significantly less of an ordeal. That said, many patients are not excited to hear that they might need a root canal treatment. This of course might lead some patients to wonder why they might need a root canal, the related symptoms, and how to prevent root canal treatments from being necessary. Simply put, you need a root canal treatment if your dentist notices decay within the root of your tooth. In this article, we will cover why root canals are necessary, symptoms that your tooth root might be infected, and prevention tips for root canals.
What Is A Root Canal Treatment & How Does It Work?
A root canal treatment is tangentially similar to a dental filling. Dental fillings are done when a tooth erodes to the point that the outer layer of the tooth is stripped away and a cavity or hole begins to form. The damaged part of the tooth is removed, the remaining part of the tooth is cleaned, and a filling takes the place of the lost tooth material. Similarly, a root canal is necessary when there is bacteria inside the root of a tooth. Of course, it is more difficult to get to the root of a tooth. This is why root canals are a treatment done by endodontists. A hole has to be made at the top of the tooth that allows a dentist to access the root, remove the damaged section, and fill it. Due to the size of the hole made, it is common to also receive a dental crown to replace the lost tooth material.
Symptoms That You Need A Root Canal
As dentists, we want all our patients to be aware that the best way to treat dental issues is to have regular exams. One of the drawbacks of our teeth is that they do not always do a great job of telling us when something is wrong. Many dental issues can start asymptomatic and then develop severe symptoms down the line. In terms of issues with a tooth’s root, common symptoms include toothaches that are severe, recurring, localized, and aggravated when you put pressure on a specific tooth. Additionally, the bacteria in your tooth can cause infection which can lead to pockets of pus forming between the tooth and the gums.
How To Prevent A Root Canal
There is nothing that special about root canal prevention. Simply brushing your teeth twice every day, flossing at least once per day, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist twice a year can all go a long way in preventing root canals, fillings, and other restorative dental treatments. When it comes to oral health, the basics really are most of what you need to protect your teeth long-term.
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If you live in the Lawrence Massachusetts area and need to schedule an appointment to address a dental concern or are simply looking to set up a regular checkup and exam, we would be happy to help. Give us a call or click below to schedule an appointment.