Dental hygiene is paramount in maintaining your oral health. However, the accumulation of plaques in the gums can cause bacterial growth, which leads to gum infection and decay. Several treatments from cleaning to extraction can be done. But, for mild to moderate dental caries, the doctor can recommend a tooth canal that can preserve your teeth. In this post, our dental team answers all the common questions about canal therapy.
The human tooth is composed of the enamel and dentine (give the teeth its color). The dentine further has a pulp cavity chamber that houses the tissues and nerves. When the teeth are maturing, the pulp gives the teeth its sensitivity. However, in mature teeth, you depend on the surrounding tissue for nourishment. Though it may appear not necessary, the pulp can cause intense pain once it is infected. A tooth canal treatment is done to remove the pulp cavity, stop the spread of the infection, and preserve your teeth.
Once the pulp cavity is infected, it can cause:
The dentist performs the endodontic treatment in several steps:
The endodontic specialist will use modern dental technology that examines your teeth, the extent of the infection, bone loss, and the health of the surrounding tissues.
The dentist will anesthetize your gums, but anesthesia is not needed since the pulp is dead and no sensation. A rubber sheet is placed on the affected tooth to keep it dry and clean. An opening is made on the crown of the teeth (chewing surface) to access the cavity easily. Using small dental instruments, the endodontist will clean the cavity of the infection and any debris. At times the dentist may use antibiotics on the cavity.
It can take a week before the teeth are filled and sealed. The dentist will use a biocompatible material to fill the cavity and seal the hole. In most cases, a temporary tooth filling is used, until the teeth are restored.
The final step involves the restoration of the teeth using dental crowns. Some people are reserved about using crowns, but they can strengthen your teeth. The removal of the pulp cavity caused the teeth to weaken and get re-infected.
No, as anesthesia will be used. The dental specialist can also use sedation if you have severe dental phobia and gag reflex.
You can, however, expect to have discomfort after the endodontic treatment, which will last for one or two days; anytime longer than that, call the dentist for an assessment.
You may need one or two dental appointments, depending on the severity of the pulp infection.
Tooth extraction and endodontic treatment treat the same problems—dental decay. However, endodontic therapy is done to stop the spread of infection and preserve your natural teeth.
Extraction is a permanent procedure because the teeth won’t grow back. You will need cosmetic dental services such as dental implants or bridges to replace the teeth. Furthermore, missing teeth cause the alveolar bone to deteriorate, thereby weakening the dental structure. If the pulp cavity infection is moderate, endodontic treatment will suffice.
If left untreated, the pulp infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and other parts of the body leading to widespread inflammation or sepsis.
Endodontic treatment is a necessary treatment if you have an infection. The procedure can save your teeth and preserve your dental integrity. Visit Unique Dental Care for your dental assessment and checkup of your eligibility for the treatment.