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Root Canal treatment – Why it is performed on an infected tooth?

A dentist or an endodontist may prescribe root canal procedure to repair and preserve the tooth with existing or emerging infection. The infection may first start as a cavity and then develop and reach to the pulp where the nerve is located. Unfortunately at this stage, filling or taking antibiotics will not permanently resolve the issue. Antibiotics can help keep the infection from spreading, but to remove the infection completely root canal treatment would be better because it cleans out all the infected pulp from inside the pulp chamber and root canals. Tooth extraction is another option but it is not viable unless the tooth is severely damaged and not possible to recover. If the condition is neglected or delayed the infection may spread to the jaw bone and then to surrounding tissue. The problem may become intense leading to other complications such as swelling of mouth and face along with severe pain in the infected area.

How is a root canal treatment done?

The root canal is an endodontic procedure which retains the structure of the tooth. It also prevents loss of jaw bone due to infection. The procedure involves removing the infection from the canals by making a small incision from the surface of the tooth to the pulp chamber. The canal is widened and cleaned thoroughly from inside the tooth using small files. With the help of X-ray which is taken prior to the surgical treatment, the dentist will estimate the length how far the incision can be made inside the pulp chamber. It will also help dentist estimate the minute root canals during the procedure. Once the decayed portion of the tooth has been completely removed, washed with water and dried, a rubber-like an amalgam filling called gutta percha is used to seal the canal. After the procedure is successfully done, a new crown or cap made of metal, resin or ceramic is placed over the tooth as a protection.

When is a root canal procedure recommended?

To determine whether the procedure is required or not, the dentist will first examine if it is an abscess or a dead tooth or if the pulp can be recovered. The symptoms of pain and swelling will not reveal anything because they are not obvious in every case. To determine whether a root canal is an appropriate solution, the dentist will perform some clinical tests, take x-rays and evaluate the tooth condition. If the pulp inside the tooth has mild irritation which is not spread to inside blood vessels and nerves, the root canal procedure is suggested to the patient. If it is a dead tooth with severe damage or crack that is not repairable then the dentist may recommend extraction. Because if the tooth is several damaged with cracks or barely attached to the jaw bone there is no point in doing the procedure for restoring it. The final decision about a tooth’s need for the root canal is made by the dentist based on the diagnosis and evaluation.

Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay also referred as cavities or dental caries is common among people with poor oral hygiene practices and improper nutrition. It is caused by the accumulation of acidic plaque and tartar which begins with damage to the hard enamel and then progresses to the deeper layers of the tooth. There will not be any significant symptoms at the early stages but as it develops patients start experiencing discomfort in eating and chewing. When cavities and decay become severe, the symptoms can get worse causing sharp pain when biting on food, swelling of gums or loss/damage of tooth. The best alternative in this state is to approach a dentist or endodontist for proper treatment.

If you have tooth decay or cavity for a while, you would experience some of the symptoms mentioned below.
Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Bad breath is quite common among people with poor oral or dental hygiene practices. It depends on the food habits and health condition of the person. However, if the symptom is persistent and associated with bad taste in the mouth, it could be the warning sign of dental cavities or gum disease. Sometimes, it is often confusing because there are several other possible reasons for bad breath. So if bad breath is associated with other symptoms like dental cavity or inflammation of gums, it is important to see a dentist before the issue progresses to severe stages of the cavity.

Increased tooth sensitivity

The condition called dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity is a common dental problem that involves pain and discomfort in teeth while consuming hot or cold foods. First it may start with mild sensitivity to temperatures but eventually, the symptoms may develop into sharp or lingering pain. Improper or loose tooth filling, receding of gums, minor cavities on chewing surfaces or between the teeth are some common reasons for sensitive teeth. Sometimes, the patient may not have any of these issues but suffers from pain without any apparent cause. It’s possible that the decay is in the first stage of development and hence there are no noticeable symptoms. Generally, people don’t take tooth sensitivity as a serious issue unless the problem remains for an extended period of time.

Sharp pain biting down on food

The minor sensitivity issue can develop into severe pain if neglected for long. It is important to see a dentist or endodontist who can suggest proper dental treatment based on the problem severity. If there is a lingering or constant pain while chewing or if the pain is sharp and unbearable even when you are not eating or drinking, then you need to see a dental specialist for the right solution. The dentist will suggest a proper treatment for diagnosing the tooth situation. If left untreated, the pain can worsen or become severe leading to other complications like acute tooth infection or tooth loss.

Cavity holes or pits

The decayed tooth can develop cavities if the infection is spread to the inside of the tooth. The cavity holes or pits are clearly visible with black spots on the surface or in between the teeth. The symptoms of pain or sensitivity vary depending on the severity of the tooth decay. Even if one cavity is left untreated, it can spread and ruin the other adjacent teeth. Hence, the faster you address the issue, the less damage it can do to your teeth. Following healthy oral hygiene like proper brushing, flossing or rinsing or taking preventive medication will only give temporary relief but cannot cure the problem permanently. Based on the severity of your cavity, the dentist will suggest a right treatment option such as filling, root canal or dental implants to restore the decayed tooth.

Tooth abscess

When cavities or decay becomes severe, it causes severe bacterial infection within the tooth spreading it to the roots. Sometimes, pockets of pus will also appear on the outer surface of the gum tissue. It’s not good to neglect the situation because the infection may spread to the jaw bone and then to the surrounding tissue. Initially, the patient will experience throbbing or shooting pain but once the pulp in the root of the tooth dies a toothache may not be that acute. As the pain subsides, people assume that the infection has healed. They don’t realize the infection is active and it may spread and destroy blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth. So if you suspect tooth abscess and notice swelling or redness around it, it requires an immediate attention.