Years ago, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a dental procedure called root canal treatment, your tooth can be saved. Root canals are a relatively simple procedure involving one to three office visits. Best of all, having a root canal when necessary can save your tooth and your smile!
A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory – to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, or has sustained trauma, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is detrimental to your overall health. Without the proper treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful. However, signs you may need a root canal include severe toothache, pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, a dark discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
When a tooth is darker than the other teeth in the mouth, it is often a sign of a non-vital, or dead, tooth. This can happen years after a tooth sustained trauma or had a deep cavity that was restored. Non-vital teeth should also be treated endodontically because the necrotic tissue inside the tooth can lead to an abscess – and usually at an inconvenient time – like your wedding day or that trip to Europe.
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, your tooth will be numbed and the tissue inside your tooth will be removed. Then, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned, sealed, and a restoration will be placed. If your tooth had extensive decay or a large portion of the tooth was lost due to breakage, a crown may be indicated to strengthen and protect the tooth from breakage. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
