Root canal is probably one of the most dreaded procedures of dental patients. However, it really is not that bad… root canal definitely relieves you from a nagging toothache and infection or abscess. Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, however, inevitable injuries or deep cavity damages the teeth. Thus, the insides of the teeth become infected. Root canal is a procedure that saves teeth by removal of bacteria and decay.
Signs and Symptoms
Damaged and infected teeth that are not treated with root canal therapy will eventually abscess and would need extraction (removal). Some patients think that the extraction of damaged tooth is the best solution; however, tooth extraction might actually cause more significant problems for the adjacent teeth. Some of the signs and symptoms for requiring root canal therapy are:
- Persistent and severe toothache
- Sensitivity to cold and hot
- Tooth discoloration
- Abscess on gums
- Swelling or tenderness
- Irritation in the surrounding gum tissue
- Visible signs of infection on X-rays
- Foul taste or odour in the mouth
In the worst cases of infection, bacteria tend to reproduce to an extent that they can cause problems in other areas of the body. For example, bacteria can enter the blood stream through the bleeding and/or inflamed gums around the affected tooth – this can cause cardiovascular problems. In other cases, bacteria might cause a suppressed immune system, complications with pregnancy, diabetes, as well as digestive problems to name a few.
Why is it necessary?
Each tooth is made up of three primary components:
- hard outside layer (enamel)
- soft middle layer (dentin)
- inner layer of soft tissue (dental pulp)
The dental pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerve fibres, and lymph tissue. Root canal therapy might be required if decay has reached the pulp and the abscess or infection has reached either inside the tooth or at the tip of the root. If left untreated, the damaged pulp causes significant infection that eventually damages the bone around the tooth – this causes the death of the tooth. If you have damaged pulp, the infection can cause serious health problems such as cardiovascular issues – all without root canal therapy.
Post-Root Canal Procedure
After the procedure, expect one or two days of soreness. Your dentist will definitely prescribe pain relievers in those first few days, and may give you an antibiotic(s) to fight off any residual bacteria. Once you’re relieved of the pain, you might be tempted to skip out on your scheduled follow-up visits. Make sure you don’t do that. Regular trips to the dentist are essential in ensuring that you have good oral health. This also prevents you from having to undergo another root canal procedure. Make sure you do your part.
