Why Would Someone Need a Root Canal? Here Is What You Need to Know
Toothache is a scary sensation, most times a sign that something is not right and needs the intervention of a professional. If your dentist has already told you that you need a root canal, you may be wondering why you need it and how it feels. Root canals are highly effective at preserving your own teeth and avoiding pain caused by infection or trauma.
If you are in need of a root canal in Mount Vernon, NY, you should opt for a qualified and experienced dental professional. Dr. Amul Patel of Aurora Smiles is renowned for his expertise in pain-free and effective root canal treatment, with the utmost dedication to deliver the best of care to patients.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected or fractured pulp from the interior of a tooth. Pulp is a soft tissue contained inside a tooth and consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Infection or inflammation of the pulp causes pain and, if left untreated, causes severe dental problems.
The procedure involves draining the infected pulp, cleaning out the inside of the tooth, and filling the tooth so that it won’t infect again in the future. Root canals, contrary to a prevalent myth, don’t hurt—pain reduction and saving healthy teeth is really what they do.
Evidence That You Would Need a Root Canal
The majority of people exhibit signs that they might require a root canal. Some of the most common ones are:
- Extended Tooth Pain: When you experience extended pain in a tooth, especially when chewing or applying pressure, it can be an indication of deep infection or cavitation. It can be transient pain, but if it persists, you should go to a dentist in Mount Vernon, NY, for an accurate diagnosis.
- Cold and Hot Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids that persists can be a sign that the tooth pulp is compromised. If the pain lasts after exposure, a root canal may be required.
- Swollen or tender: Swelling, tenderness, or the formation of a pimple-like swelling on the gum alongside an aching tooth is evidence of an abscess. This is an infection that has spread beyond the tooth and will need to be treated urgently.
- Darkened or Discolored Tooth: A dark or grayed-out tooth may have an issue with its nerve supply. It is caused by infection, decay, or trauma and typically indicates that the tooth needs a root canal.
- Gum Abscess or Pus Drainage: An abscess is an infected pain that may result in extreme pain and swelling. It is caused by bacteria that settle in the tooth and infect it. If you notice pus oozing out or have a bad taste in your mouth, it is long overdue you consulted a professional such as Aurora Smiles.
Root Canal Infections
There are various reasons a root canal would be needed. These are the major reasons:
- Deep Tooth Decay
When cavities go unchecked, bacteria will enter the tooth very deeply and infect the pulp and cause great pain. A root canal is now indicated because an easy filling will no longer work. - Dental Trauma or Injury
A cracked tooth in an accident, sports injury, or chipping against something hard may expose the inner pulp to bacterial invasion and resultant infection and pain. - Multiple Dental Procedures: Repeated dental procedures performed on the same tooth over time weaken it and make it more vulnerable to infection. Root canal becomes necessary in an attempt to restore structure and function for the tooth.
- Gum Disease: Severe gum disease (periodontitis) may be passed on to the tooth roots, where it will cause an infection that may be treated by a root canal in some cases to prevent other issues.
The Root Canal Process: Step by Step
Root canals make many patients nervous, but understanding more about the procedure makes it less intimidating. This is what will occur:
Step 1: Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist in Mount Vernon, NY, will examine your tooth and X-ray it to see how much damage has been done. If a root canal is required, he or she will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
To make the experience painless, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the infected tooth and the tissue around it.
Step 3: Removing the Infected Pulp
A narrow access hole is created in the crown of the tooth for entry into the pulp chamber. Infected or damaged pulp is removed using specialized instruments.
Step 4: Cleaning and Disinfecting
The inside of the tooth is shaped, cleaned, and disinfected to destroy any remaining bacteria and protect against its recontamination.
Step 5: Filling and Sealing
The root canals are cleaned and filled with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha, which retains the tooth. The access cavity is sealed to avoid infection in the future.
Step 6: Restoring the Tooth
A crown is then put over the tooth to re-establish its strength and function. This is especially needed by the back teeth, which experience heavy chewing pressure.
Recovery and Aftercare
A little pain or tenderness can persist for a short time after the root canal treatment. Over-the-counter pain medicines and proper care of the oral cavity can hasten healing. Some recovery advice is as follows:
- Avoid mastication over the treated tooth until a crown is placed on it.
- Follow a regular program of good oral hygiene through the use of floss and brushes.
- Follow-ups to ensure proper direction of the healing process.
- If you experience extreme pain, swelling, or other abnormal symptoms, contact your root canal dentist in Mount Vernon, NY, right away.
Myths About Root Canals
- Root Canals Hurt: Modern dental techniques and anesthesia render root canal procedures virtually painless. The majority of patients do not feel any pain following the procedure.
- It’s Better to Pull the Tooth: It is always preferable to save a root canal tooth over extracting it. Losing a tooth can lead to teeth that become loose, eat normally, and need them replaced at significant cost with something such as an implant or bridge.
- Root Canals Cause Disease: This old wives’ tale has been put to rest. Root canals are safe, successful, and will not generate more illness.
Choosing the Right Dentist to Perform a Root Canal
A root canal procedure requires an efficient and skilled dentist. Aurora Smiles excels at providing quality service using state-of-the-art machinery to produce optimal results. Regardless of the cause of issues you are encountering because of acute toothache, sensitivity, or infection, their team will solve your dental issue at ease in a tension-free zone.
Final Thoughts
A root canal is a life-saving dental procedure that preserves your natural tooth, eliminates pain, and prevents further complications. If you’re experiencing symptoms like severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Dr. Amul Patel at Aurora Smiles today.
With caring expertise and dedication to comfort, Aurora Smiles renders your root canal painless success. Contact their Mount Vernon, NY, office today to return to optimal oral health and bask in a stunning, pain-free smile!