Problem With A Tooth? When A Dentist May Suggest A Root Canal
If you are having a problem with one of your teeth, a dentist may suggest that you have a root canal. Below are some reasons why you would need a root canal, as well as information on how a root canal procedure works so you will be ready when you go to the dentist.
Causes Of Needing a Root Canal
Teeth roots have canals, which are narrow openings. These canals have a lot of nerve fibers and blood vessels. It is important that these stay in good condition because they provide your teeth with the nutrition they need. This also helps prevent your teeth from being sensitive to hot and cold. If any of these nerve fibers or blood vessels become infected the dentist will likely suggest a root canal to take care of the problem.
The dentist will see signs that your tooth is infected and see if there is nerve damage. The tooth may be cracked, or it may have an old cavity that is partly broken. If so, bacteria can get down to the roots and then cause an infection to build up.
Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is generally done by a dentist as it is a simple procedure they often do. Before they start, the area will be numbed with anesthetic so that you will not feel any pain during the procedure. They do this by giving you a shot in the gum near the tooth. They may have to give you more than one shot depending on how badly your tooth is infected.
When you become numb, the dentist removes the infection from inside your tooth canal. They then clean the root canal. When the infection is gone and it is clean, the dentist places a special material to seal the root canal. If you have a cracked tooth or cavity, this material also closes this opening so bacteria will not reenter again. In most cases, this procedure will last forever, and you should never have to have another root canal on this tooth again.
Prevent Root Canals
The main way to prevent a root canal in the future is to get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist regularly. During the cleaning, the hygienist will see if there is a damaged cavity so that the dentist can repair it before the infection gets to the root. They will also see if there is any tooth decay that a dentist needs to repair.
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing also play a big part in keeping your teeth in good condition. Purchase an electric toothbrush to make brushing easier. Electric toothbrushes also brush your teeth much better than doing it manually.
Your dentist can give you much more information about the root canal procedure.
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