Do You Need a Root Canal? Warning Signs to Know

In the field of dentistry, very few phrases bring dread and anxiety into people's minds apart from 'root canal'. Thankfully, much advancement has taken place since those dreadful times in the past. Education about the procedure itself, reasons for recommending it, and how it would feel during and after the procedure can help change that dread into assurance. For anyone who needs a root canal in Langford, being informed is vital.

Root canal treatment refers to the inner portion of each and every tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels collectively called pulp. When a tooth has been subjected to conditions that include severe cavities, cracks, injuries to the teeth, and even repeated treatment processes of the same, the condition results in the infection of the pulp. Pain is a common symptom, though not always present. A root canal is never recommended based on pain alone; it is recommended only when an examination and X-ray show evidence of infection or damage.

Specific symptoms must be considered. Unprovoked tooth pain, especially if pain occurs many hours after the last meal, can indicate something is wrong. Persistent pain after taking anything hot, such as hot coffee, tea, or soup, especially if the pain continues after the liquid was ingested, can be one sign of trouble as well. A tooth that hurts because of the bite force applied is another potential symptom. Other symptoms include swollen gums, a little pimple-like lesion near a tooth, or the changing colour of a tooth, all of which are signals that you need to make an appointment soon.

The goal of the treatment is to remove the affected tissues of the tooth, clean its interior and seal the tooth in order to prevent further infections. Firstly, the dentist should numb the area under treatment; therefore, the procedure will be similar to a deep filling of the tooth. An opening will be made in the tooth, the pulp will be removed from the canals, and the canals will be filled and sealed. Most procedures can be done during one or two visits to a dentist's office.

Following this, a complete repair will have to be done. With the tooth now becoming weak, crowning will be advisable to prevent any fractures that might occur, as well as enabling proper functioning of the tooth. Mild discomfort for several days may follow after the procedure; however, this can be relieved using OTC pain medication as directed and avoiding chewing on this side until the tooth is restored.

Why not just extract the tooth? In many cases, keeping the natural tooth is the most predictable course of action. Removing the tooth creates a space which results in movement of the adjacent teeth as well as loss of bone mass, whereas replacement of the tooth with an implant or a bridge requires further procedures as well as increased costs. Root canal treatment will ensure preservation of your natural tooth.

The delay only aggravates the situation. The inflammation in the pulp cannot get better by itself. It can develop into an infection in the bone, cause the formation of an abscess and ultimately result in a lost tooth. If the pain subsides because of death of the nerve, there will be a misconception that the problem has been solved.

In case you are uncertain if your tooth is able to be saved, an emergency dentist consultation will provide you with all the information you need in simple terms. Quick action will be much easier on you as well as less expensive. Root canal treatment in Langford done at an early stage is often the best way to keep a damaged tooth functional for many years.

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