When is a Root Canal Necessary?
By Allen Schneider | Published on March 7, 2011 | 0 Comments
Since you were young, you were probably told that if you did not brush your teeth, then the sugars and bacteria left behind would cause plaque and eventually lead to decay and cavities. But what happens when you leave a cavity untreated?
According to Allen Schneider DDS, an experienced family dentist in Springfield, VA, if a tooth becomes too decayed, a root canal may be necessary to correct the problem and restore the health of your mouth. Generally, a root canal is needed due to an infection of the nerve of a tooth. This can result from previous trauma or ongoing active trauma, which may include decay or infection of the overall tooth. While your dentist will ultimately be the one who diagnoses your condition and suggests a root canal as a solution, Dr. Schneider says that there are some signs and symptoms that could indicate that a problem exists. Because the nerve of the tooth, which is very sensitive, is becoming infected, you may notice some discomfort, swelling, redness, or difficulty chewing.
Dr. Schneider performs root canals on only the anterior teeth in the mouth and not the molars. While a dentist never hopes that a patient’s oral health problems will progress to the point where a root canal becomes necessary, recent advancements in dentistry have made the procedure quicker and more comfortable than ever before.
In the past, Dr. Schneider says, root canal appointments used to be much longer and the end product could not be shaped and filed as ideally as today;s technology allows. With the aid of the electronic and digital technology that Dr. Schneider has available in his office, he is able to make sure that every patient receives a great outcome and in a much faster time period.
Because of the more precise techniques used during a root canal procedure, the recovery period is less painful as well. In fact, Dr. Schneider says that the healing process can be anywhere from experiencing no pain at all to a few weeks of recovery. Usually, he explains, within a few days after the root canal procedure has been completed, the tooth is ready for a crown. Once everything has been completed, you are asked to return to the dentist every six months to monitor the health of the tooth as well as the rest your mouth.
In nearly all instances, however, endodontic and periodontic problems can be avoided by visiting your dentist for routine oral health examinations. It is during these regular checkups that Dr. Schneider says he is able to detect small problems and resolve them early on instead of letting them fester. Most major dental problems, he explains, can be avoided if diagnosed early.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.