Pain and sensitivity are the most common complaints of patients with nerve root damage. This condition is treated by root canal therapy, a dental procedure where the infected or damaged pulp is removed. Endodontists are trained practitioners who specialize in root canal therapy.
There are two major indicators of root canal therapy. The first indicator is a pulp infection. This is brought about by decayed food particles that attract bacterial buildup, affecting the area of the nerve root, and, therefore, causes pain. Bacterial infections within the tooth are not treatable by antibiotic medications. Damage caused by bacterial buildup will cause inflammation that can further aggravate the condition. Inflammation to the affected area reduces blood flow to the tooth which worsens the infection.
The second indicator that you might need root canal therapy is a dental emergency like fractures and trauma, in which the damage reaches the nerve root. There are also some procedures indicating the need for root canal therapy like the application of a dental crown. Root canal therapy is meant to extend and preserve the normal physiology of the tooth. If the damaged tooth is left untreated, it can cause further inflammation, and will eventually loosen the tooth.
Patients showing symptoms of nerve root damage will be carefully assessed by their dentist. The tooth and its surrounding tissues will be examined. There are also diagnostic tests that will be requested before having a root canal therapy. An x-ray of the bone surrounding the tooth is essential before root canal therapy is done. Dentists will advise this therapy if there are abnormalities seen on the x-ray film. A dentist may also use an electric pulp tester to determine the status of the pulp. A tingling sensation could be felt once the tester is applied.
Dentists specializing in root canal therapy are able to assess the extent of pulp damage. The length of the treatment as well as the number of root canal sessions will vary depending on pulp damage. Teeth are composed of multiple nerve roots, and patients must be informed of the number of nerve roots that will need therapy. Pulp damage that is caused by infection will require several sessions to ensure that the infection is treated.
Root canal therapy is performed by the application of a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. After sedation, dentists will create an opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Diseased tissues within the pulp chamber will then be removed, and the affected area will be cleaned. The root canals will then be measured so that the dentist can predict how much filling will be used. The root canal can be accurately measured by an x-ray and an apex locator electronic device.
After accurately measuring the root canal, dentists will gently and thoroughly clean the damaged pulp with the use of special instruments. Antiseptic is used to prevent the development of infection. Teeth are composed of a varied number of root canals, and all of the canals within the tooth must be cleaned. Gum specialists and dentists will inspect the affected area with the use of a microscope. After the cleaning process, a temporary filling is applied over the tooth. The surface of the tooth will be covered by a permanent filling.
Pain relievers are prescribed after the procedure to reduce inflammation. Other Mississauga dentists would also prescribe antibiotics to treat the presence of any remaining infection. Patients are advised to avoid chewing on the repaired tooth until it has completely recovered. Some dentists would recommend application of a dental crown to preserve the anatomy and physiology of the tooth.
Ask your dentist for more information on root canal therapy!
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