Even before understanding the pros and cons of modern root canal therapy, one needs to understand the situations that necessitate a root canal treatment. Different conditions such as damaged fillings, tooth fracture, tooth decay, infected gums and abscessed tooth call for the root canal treatment. The ‘enamel’ which is a term referring to the outer surface of the tooth and ‘dentin’ as the inner layer of the tooth is known, both get affected when tooth decay results in cavities. This is the most common reason why people lose tooth or suffer from tooth ache. Now there are diseases like gingivitis or gum inflammation, periodontitis or gum diseases that result from poor hygiene, smoking and conditions like HIV or diabetes. Tooth decay and gum diseases often lead to painful infection called abscessed teeth which happen at root of the tooth. Tooth ache can also find its source in traumatic injuries affecting the teeth structure. Such problems can result in occurrences like fevers, excessive swelling, ear pains and headache, which might make speaking or eating extremely difficult for the patient. The most important thing to do in these cases is to treat these defects without resorting to a complicated surgery as much as possible.
Such pains can be alleviated with the help of root canal treatment. It is a dental procedure that is extremely common and is used to restore the teeth which are damaged and decayed. The root canal therapy prevents loss of teeth and tooth ache. The pulp is removed along with the nerve of the tooth that is infected which is then followed by cleaning and sealing of the affected area. Although the steps involved in the treatment and the procedure itself is extremely painful, the patients nowadays do not feel a thing because of modern amenities like local anesthetics. The solution of getting a root canal treatment for the discussed problems is a durable one. This dental measure is inexpensive, quick and safe.
Now there is often confusion about understanding whether or not you should avail the root canal treatment or if your condition warrants an immediate visit to the dentist in the first place. Though the doctor is the best person to advise on this, here are some of the situations discussed below that might be an indication of you needing a root canal treatment:
- Experiencing difficulty while eating because of the pain in your teeth.
- If your teeth has become extremely sensitive to water or heat and cold.
- The aching teeth get small bumps on the gums surrounding it.
- When you have extreme inflammation or swelling in the gums.
These are situations that might need you to avail this treatment but it is best to take preventive measures instead of waiting for something to happen. If you are generally worried and careful about your well-being then you will do best by visiting a dentist at least twice a year for regular check ups.