A root canal is mostly the last treatment alternative for most dental patients. The treatment refers to a series of procedures meant to address issues within the soft pulp in your teeth which contains the nerve endings and blood vessels. As such, most patients assume that root canals are a preserve of those in extreme dental pain. Though they are the most effective solution for relieving most types of dental pain, root canals are also used for other dental problems.
There are general dentistry clinics in places like Sandy, Utah which might recommend a root canal for you even though you might not be in considerable pain. These are generally in cases where the inner part of your tooth is inflamed or infected, and it is merely a matter of days before you experience pain or extensive tooth damage. Here are the dental issues for which a root canal might prove the best treatment choice.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
The teeth might crack or chip secondary to trauma or consumption of foods with a wide temperature variation. Most people will not seek treatment for chips and cracks on their teeth since they believe the issues are only cosmetic. Cracked and chipped teeth, however, provide a path of entry for bacteria which invade and infect the inner layers of your teeth. Over time, they cause the inflammation of your soft pulp tissues. While you can get dental crowns or veneers immediately after the crack or chip to avert this, a root canal is the treatment of choice if you wait for some time to get medical attention.
Multiple Dental Restorations on the Same Tooth
Extensive or numerous dental restorations and fillings on one tooth might at times damage your root canal. At times, rigorous preparation of the tooth before an orthodontic procedure also damages the pulp. In both cases, a root canal might be used to avert issues in the future.
Untreated Dental Cavities
Most children receive prompt treatment for dental cavities but not so for adults. Adults assume that dental cavities will be resolved with a good dental hygiene regimen and do not seek treatment for them. The bacteria which form the cavity continue causing damage even with a good dental hygiene routine and eventually enter the dental soft pulp and cause extensive inflammation. In this eventuality, a root canal is essential to address the damage caused.
Prolonged and Extreme Tooth Sensitivity
Toothaches when consuming extremely hot or cold foods and drinks are common. If however, these are prolonged and extreme even with warm meals, this might indicate a nerve issue or damaged dental roots. The best solution for these is a root canal.
Most people associate root canals with extreme pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. As such, they will settle for numerous conservative treatments to the above issues rather than get a root canal. During the process, there are several forms of dental anesthesia which will alleviate all pain and discomfort and afterward, you will have pain-relieving medications for a few days. A root canal carried out by a certified dentist is mostly painless and will only give mild discomfort.