During your visit to the Narrabeen dentist, you may have heard about Root Canal Treatment because of persistent tooth pain. What is Root Canal Treatment, and how will you know when you require it? Let's make things easy here.
Basics of Root Canal Treatment
A Root Canal Treatment protects your tooth by fixing severe damage or infection. The pulp part of your tooth contains soft living tissue. Nerves and blood vessels make up the soft material of the pulp. Intense coiled tooth pain that emerges from tooth cavities, breaks, or therapy shows the pulp in your tooth is infected. The issue needs medical attention to prevent abscess development.
Root Canal Treatment NSW aims to extract infected tooth pulp and thoroughly clean the tooth before sealing it to arrest any possible future infections. Keeping your natural tooth helps you avoid extraction.
Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal
Are you not sure if you need a root canal treatment? Here are some common symptoms:
1. Tooth pain may be persistent.
When severe tooth pain persists after you consume painkillers, it suggests that the pulp inside your tooth is infected.
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold
Does your tooth hurt when you consume hot or cold items? This almost confirms that the nerves inside are inflamed or no longer exist.
3. Swelling of the gums around the tooth
The swelling or tenderness occurring around a specific tooth may indicate an infection.
4. Discoloration of the tooth
A darkened tooth with loss of its typical shine indicates nerve damage inside its system.
5. Pimple-like Bump on the Gums
An abscess or swelling on your gum line at a tooth location shows that an infection must be handled fast.
In these situations, you should get a dental checkup and cleaning to determine whether you need treatment.
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Most people believe that going for a Root Canal Treatment is painful. The fact is, with new dental techniques and anesthesia, it's like getting a filling. Here's the procedure involved:
Step 1: Numbing
Your dentist first injects some numbing medicine into the problem tooth and the area around it.
Step 2: Taking Out the Infected Pulp
The dentist makes a tiny hole in the tooth to reach and remove the infected pulp.
Step 3: Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The dentist cleans and shapes the inner canals of the tooth to prepare for sealing.
Step 4: Sealing the Tooth
Sometimes, you might need a dental crown placed over the tooth to protect and help it work again.
Once the root canal is complete, your Narrabeen Dentist may ask you to return to check on the area's healing.
What Happens If You Don't Get a Root Canal?
Neglecting a required root canal may lead to the following:
- Intense Pain: Where the infection lives will worsen, leading to pain where none of the painkillers will help ease the pain.
- Tooth Loss: Ignoring the problem can lead to tooth removal.
- Infection Spread: Poor treatment allows the infection to spread to other teeth and gums or even enter the bloodstream, causing severe health problems.
If you need root canal treatment, don't wait to visit and talk to a Narrabeen dentist or use any emergency dental services.
Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
When the best option isn't a Root Canal Treatment, your dentist may offer one of the following:
- Tooth Removal: When a tooth is too damaged to fix, it might need removal. Then, a Dental Implant NSW can replace it.
- Veneer Treatment: For minor damage that affects the appearance of the tooth, the veneer procedure might improve its appearance.
However, every case contributes differently to the decision-making process; therefore, talking with a Narrabeen dentist about the tooth's condition is vital.
Post-Treatment Care after Root Canal Therapy
Properly caring for your teeth after your Root Canal Treatment will help ensure long-term success. Here's what you should do:
1. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit a dentist at least twice a year for a dental check-up and cleaning.
2. Avoid Hard Foods During The Initial Days
You should eat soft foods during the initial three days after treatment to avoid putting excessive pressure on the tooth that underwent the procedure.
3. Control The Sensitivity
Some mild discomfort is expected, but speak up if the pain worsens. Contact your dentist immediately.
Final Thought
A root canal procedure can save your tooth, relieve your pain, and restore your mouth's health. If you have signs of an infection, don't put off seeing your dentist for a Dental Checkup and Cleaning. If you need urgent care or want another opinion, a Narrabeen dentist can point you in the right direction.
Do not let fear or misinformation scare you from getting the needed treatment. If caught early, a root canal can be a simple, effective way to save your smile!
