Root canal treatment becomes unavoidable when the pulp is infected or inflamed. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the root canal. Pulp infection or inflammation that is left untreated for a long time results in an abscess or severe pain. Studies reveal that close to 22.3 million endodontic procedures are carried out every year. The endodontist cleans and dries the interior of your tooth during a root canal treatment then places a temporary filling.
Several factors necessitate root canal treatment in Lone Tree. While these warning signs are not the most pleasant, you shouldn’t disregard them if you don’t want to deal with pain and dental complications later on in life. The following things indicate that you need a root canal treatment as soon as possible:
Deep Decay
Tooth decay or cavities are as a result of bacteria accumulation in the mouth. Germs produce acid that slowly eats away teeth. A minor decay can result in deep decay if left untreated for a long time. It can also cause severe pain, tooth loss, and infection. Unfortunately, tooth decay goes unnoticed because it affects the enamel. It ultimately damages the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and highly sensitive nerves. Deep decay is one of the primary reasons why people opt for root canal treatment.
Repeat Procedures
Performing repeat dental procedures on a tooth can increase the chances of undergoing root canal treatment. Reoccurring cavities might necessitate filling a tooth, removing it, and filling it again to get rid of new decay. As such, a root canal treatment can be the ultimate solution to the repeat dental procedures. You might also need repeated dental procedures if it had been filled before. Cracked or chipped teeth due to an accident or trauma might require a new form of treatment.
Large Fillings
You might require a large filling when your cavity was left untreated for a long time. When you finally get a dental filling, the decay can be severe such that you need a more massive filling or more tooth structure removal than usual. A large filling is among the leading reasons why people undergo root canal treatment, and it also tampers with the structural integrity of your teeth. Endodontists consider a filling that is more than 1/3 of the width of your tooth. You might suffer from infection or inflammation if the filling and decay reach the pulp.
Cracks or Chips
Types of trauma, such as chips and cracks, are one of the leading causes of root canal treatment. Teeth are usually exposed to an array of stresses, such as chewing, grinding, and clenching. Minor cracks or chips can be fixed using bonding materials, but severe cracks require a root canal procedure.
Now that you know the things that necessitate a root canal procedure, you shouldn’t be slow to visit an endodontist for treatment. Your teeth can last for a lifetime, even after undergoing a root canal procedure, as long as you take good care of them. Your endodontist will advise you on how to take care of your teeth after the treatment.