Do You Need A Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed by a DDS, another name for a doctor of dental surgery. The more common occupational title for a DDS is the dentist. This oral health care practitioner is a well trained professional who performs preventative maintenance techniques, thorough examinations plus diagnoses and treats disease. When a patient has a toothache, he or she may wonder if a root canal will be needed. Here are some things to think about:

-What is a root canal? This is a procedure performed in the dental chair by an endodontist to remove the soft inner portion of the tooth which contains the nerves. A tooth has three main parts - the enamel, the dentine and the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. A human being feels pain or pleasure through the nerve's sensory apparatus. This procedure removes the nerve center where this pain is felt.

-Why is there pain? Decay erodes the hard outer coating of enamel if not treated. When the enamel's protective armor is gone, the nerves are exposed and highly sensitive.
-Why can't the decay just be filled up with amalgam or ceramic fillings? If the decay isn't too extensive, a cavity may be repaired with a compound designed to plug it. Amalgam and ceramic are two types of materials used for this purpose. This is only possible, however, if the erosion hasn't eaten down to the pulp. Once the problem has reached this level of severity, the pulpy pain center will need to be removed.

-What are some signs that the problem requires a root canal? Severe pain that doesn't go away, swelling in the region, discolored enamel, or a sore on the gums which may be a sign of infection. The discomfort often occurs when pressure or cold temperatures are applied to the region.

-What does this procedure entail? More than one appointment will be necessary to complete this technique. X-rays will be required to determine the scope of the difficulty. Dental dams will be placed to keep the region within the mouth dry. Local anesthesia will be administered to keep the patient comfortable. A drill will make an opening in the area and the pulp and nerves will be removed. Next, a thorough cleaning and sealing of the opening will be done. The technique is often finished by installing a crown over the remaining enamel in order to strengthen and protect it.

-Are there any risks of complications? As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. Some examples are infections in the dentine if any bacteria remained in the region, a cracked or broken portion, or infections in the surrounding gums. If the procedure isn't treated, however, further pain and deterioration will surely occur.

The root canal is not a popular operation with most patients. Although it isn't the most comfortable experience in the world, the alternative of not doing it is even worse. A skilled dentist will be able to minimize the discomfort and achieve a successful result.