Whatever your age may be, thorough dental hygiene is important to prevent a wide range of health issues, including root canal system infections. Root canal therapy can be an unpleasant experience, but it is needed to salvage a tooth. However, not all causes of root canal system infection can be prevented. Listed below are some of the most common reasons for a root canal.
• Damage to the Tooth. If the tooth fracture extends to the pulp, it might need root canal therapy. Also, a tooth hit with great force can cause the nerve to be severed at the end of the root, eventually causing it to die. This can be a problem because once nerve tissue breaks down when damaged. Thus, bacteria can start to multiply in the pulp chamber and will require root canal therapy to resolve. Although damage to a tooth is not necessarily preventable, immediate professional care can address the problem before it worsens.
• Repeated Dental Procedures. Dental procedures can put some stress on a tooth, particularly with repeated drilling because it can cause inflammation of the tooth pulp. If the pulp is damaged, it will break down, allowing bacteria to multiply in the pulp chamber. Along with other dying pulp remnants, bacteria can cause an abscessed tooth or an infection and will require root canal therapy as treatment. Prioritizing proper post-treatment care is very crucial in preventing the need for any kind of retreatment.
• Deep Decay. Similar to a damaged tooth, once tooth decay extends deep into the tooth and gets inside the pulp, the pulp can get inflamed as it is gets infected with bacteria. The subsequent pain is usually a sign that you need endodontic treatment. At times, the infection will even kill the nerves inside the pulp tissues, causing the pain to away; however, this is not an indication that the infection has been resolved. Only a dental professional can give the care necessary to cure the infection and possibly even prevent root canal therapy.
• Root Resorption. This is a condition where the tooth structure dissolves away as a reaction to trauma, tooth replantation, injury, or aggressive tooth movement from orthodontics. Root resorption can happen from the outside of the root going inward or from outward from the middle or inside the tooth. This issue does not cause pain, so getting regular dental x-rays is important to identify this cause.
Even with good oral hygiene habits and regular professional dental care, you are not fully immune from a root canal system infection. If you are experiencing any of its symptoms, you might have to see your dentist or endodontist to get a proper diagnosis. Some of the signs that you need root canal therapy are severe toothache upon application of pressure or during chewing; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures; swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, darkening of the tooth; and recurring or persistent pimple on the gums.
Just like most things, prevention is key. It is important to understand that pain, a chip or crack in the tooth, and trauma to the face can all be indicators that you need to seek professional help as soon as you can. When these factors are addressed by a dentist at the soonest possible time, then you can prevent even larger problems from happening.
If you think that you need root canal therapy, schedule an appointment with your doctor so you can properly be diagnosed. Remember that not everyone needs this treatment; and if you do, it has to be properly done by a qualified professional.
Ryan Daniel is a professional Dentist in Castle Hills of Lewisville, The Colony, Tx and genuinely cares about the health and well-being of teeth and gums. Visit my website: D. Dental