Unfortunately, humans don’t get replacement teeth the way that some animals do, such as sharks. That means that each and every one of your teeth is incredibly valuable. Although there are certainly some good replacement options these days, such as dental implants, nothing is quite as good as your own. So, how can you save a tooth that’s been badly damaged by a large cavity or fracture? One of the most common ways is to perform a root canal. But when are root canals necessary and what kind of symptoms would you have if you need one? Keep reading to find out!
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
When a tooth has been damaged, whether from a cavity, fracture or another injury, a dentist will start by assessing how much of the tooth has been affected.
If the damage is relatively minor and has only affected the outer layers of the tooth, a simple filling or crown can be done to restore it. In these situations, the innermost layer of the tooth (also called the pulp or nerve canal) is still healthy and intact.
However, when the damage is more extensive and has reached the inner nerve canal and caused an infection, a root canal is necessary to remove the infected pulp. If left untreated, the tooth may have to be extracted because the infection will cause severe pain.
Fortunately, a root canal can prevent the need for an extraction because it removes the infected pulp while preserving the rest of the tooth.
What Kind of Symptoms Would You Have?
If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, you might need a root canal:
- Pain from hot, cold or chewing pressure that lingers for more than 5-10 seconds
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (this can indicate an infection)
- Severe pain from chewing or other pressure
- Facial swelling (another indicator of infection)
What Is the Procedure Like?
Although it can sound scary to hear that you need a root canal, you’ll be glad to know that their bad reputation is undeserved. Many years ago, anesthesia wasn’t as effective as it is today. With modern dentistry, the first thing a dentist will do is make sure that you’re completely numb and comfortable.
Then they’ll make a small opening in the top of your tooth so they can access the inner layers. After removing the infected pulp tissue, they’ll fill the nerve canal with a material called gutta-percha and seal over the tooth with a white filling material.
Since the blood supply of the tooth has been removed, it can become brittle and break more easily than a normal tooth, so a dental crown is also recommended to restore the tooth’s original strength.
You’ll be glad to know that many patients can’t believe how much easier their appointment was than they anticipated. And the best part is that they’ve saved their tooth so they can use it for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Paul Miller is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist who is passionate about providing his community with outstanding dental care. His goal is to help his patients maintain their teeth for as long as possible, and he uses a variety of restorative procedures, including root canals, to do that. If you have any questions, he can be contacted via his website or at (434) 324-8241.