When Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a procedure that aims at saving your tooth after the nerve inside gets exposed to the bacteria. It is a very common procedure and according to an estimate, around 15 million root canals are performed every year in the USA. Almost 95% of the root canal procedures are successful. This means that the toot that has undergone a root canal can last for a lifetime. Though it helps in saving your tooth, many people are skeptical about it as they fear pain. However, the advancement in dentistry has made the procedure almost painless, says the dentist in 63127.

A root canal becomes necessary when the tooth becomes damaged beyond repair. Here’s a look at some reasons why you need a root canal treatment.

Irreversible Decay

Decay, also known as cavities happen when the bacteria inside the mouth begin to produce acid, which weakens the enamel over our teeth. If the condition is left untreated, the decay can become irreversible. With most people, the decay remains unnoticed during initial days where it affects only the deeper layer of the tooth. However, it affects the pulp eventually, which consists of sensitive nerves and blood vessels.

Cracks

The cracks, chips, and other trauma can often become the cause of a root canal procedure. The teeth experience a lot of stress during chewing, grinding, and clenching. It has been observed that most of the cracks are addressed with the tooth-colored filling and placing a crown on the tooth, more severe cracks and chips may need root canal treatment apart from bonding. If the damage has been extended to the pulp, the root canal becomes mandatory.

Repeated Procedures

When dental procedures are performed on a tooth time and again, it increases the chances of the root canal. Your tooth may need multiple dental procedures for various reasons such as recurring cavities, getting a filling, removing a filling, removing a decay, etc.

Large Fillings

According to the dentist near Sunset Hills, MO, the large fillings are required when a cavity is left untreated for a longer duration. When the patient finally decides to undergo a cavity, the decay may have become extensive which can result in the removal of more tooth structure and need for a larger filling. A large feeling affects the integrity of the tooth and puts you at the risk of root canal procedure. However, the pertinent question is when filling can be considered large. If a filling is greater than 1/3rd width of the tooth’s width, it can be considered large. If the filling or decay reaches the pulp, inflammation or infection may develop.

How to Know If You Need a Root Canal Procedure?

Some symptoms that indicate the need for root canal procedure are:

• When you feel pain in your tooth.
• When your tooth hurts due to exposure to hot and cold temperatures.
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth.
• Swollen and tender gums around a tooth.
• Rotten taste in your mouth.
• Dental abscess

However, it is said that sometimes, a person may not show symptoms at all and thus it’s important to see the dentist regularly so that they can examine your oral health and suggest a relevant procedure.

What Happens During the Root Canal Procedure?

During the procedure, the Root Canal Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO removes the infected nerve and pulp from the tooth followed by cleaning the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then sealed and a crown is placed on the top of the affected tooth for making sure that it maintains its normal functioning. Many people who have undergone the root canal procedure share that it is the same as getting a cavity filled. It is neither more painful not lesser.

How to Prevent the Need for Root Canal Procedure?

One of the primary precautions that you can take for preventing root canal is to brush your teeth and floss them regularly along with using an anti-bacterial mouthwash. You must also make it a point to visit the dentist twice a year for dental cleaning and examination. This will help in preventing decay and infection. In case you have a cavity, it is important to get it filled right away.