Root Canal - What You need to Know

Before, when a patient gets a diseased nerve he has a hundred percent chance of tooth removal. But since dentistry has evolved and new treatments have been introduced, treatments such as root canal therapy may save your tooth. This treatment may be done by a special kind of dentist called an endodontist who specializes in treating dental pulps. 


Getting to know root canal 
Root canal is a space within the root of the tooth. It is a part of a naturally occurring space within a tooth which consists of a pulp chamber.


Root canal as a treatment
The root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that’s badly decayed and has eventually become infected. In a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside tooth will be cleaned and sealed. The terminology is used to describe a natural cavity within the center of the tooth. 


What’s the essence of removing the tooth pulp?
If the nerve tissue of a tooth is damaged, it will surely break down and bacteria will begin to multiply in the pulp chamber. After multiplying, these bacteria will decay the tooth and can cause infection and an abscessed tooth will appear.


Signs and symptoms that a patient needs tooth canal
Signs and symptoms are important to determine when a patient should seek dental care from their dentists. Here are few guidelines:
1. Severe toothache when putting pressure to the teeth 
2. Prolonged teeth sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods
3. Severe darkening of the tooth
4. Swelling through the nearby gums
5. A persistent and recurring pimple on the gums


Expectations on root canal
On the first few days of completing root canal therapy, a tooth may feel very sensitive due to the procedure. The sensitivity and pain may be controlled and lessened using over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or Naproxen. Some patients who underwent the same procedure have usually returned to their normal life activities the next day.


After completion of the procedure, this means all the permanent filling was made, a patient should avoid chewing on the tooth which has undergone the repair. This is to avoid recontamination on the interior and is also done to prevent a fragile tooth from breakage before it can be fully restored.


What to do to avoid a Root Canal Therapy:
Simple. Good Dental Hygiene. Give your mouth a good rinse after every meal, brush your teeth well paying careful attention to each and every tooth, floss once a day, eat your green vegetables, and get enough vitamin D in your diet.


In conclusion
You may have heard a lot of negative press about root canal, and although some are warranted, most of the time the root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure with a little discomfort after every visit. Before you undergo a root canal, make sure you understand it and the need for it. Ask your cosmetic dentistry Arizona dentist about root canal, if this is your real choice in preserving your smile.