Root Canal Treatment - The Best Way to Maintain Your Natural Teeth

Posted by Metrodental on April 29th, 2013

Many people have a deep-rooted fear of root canal treatment. They normally say “not as bad as a root canal” – making it one of the worst human experiences. Such fears are fallacious. If you are in professional hands, then root canal treatment is the best way to maintain your natural teeth and maintain a good dental health. By understanding the entire treatment process, you will understand why it is usually referred to as a ‘the tooth saver’.

What is Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment generally prescribed by a dentist to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed. During this procedure, the pulp and the nerve are removed, and the tooth is cleaned from inside. After cleaning the tooth is sealed properly to avoid future problems.

"Root canal" is the terminology used to explain the natural cavity within the centre of the tooth. The pulp is the tender area within the root canal. The tooth's nerve is placed within the root canal.

A tooth's nerve is not much importance to a tooth's health and working after the tooth has surfaced through the gums. Its only role is to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The absence or presence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day working of the tooth.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When a tooth's pulp or a nerve tissue is damaged, it opens up, and bacteria start to multiply within the pulp chamber. These bacteria can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is nothing but pus-filled pockets that start to accumulate at the end of the roots of the tooth. Formation of abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way till the end of the roots of the tooth. Apart from this, an infection in the root canal can cause:

• Swelling that will spread to other areas of the neck, face, or head
• Bone loss on the tip of the root
• Drainage problems may start from the tooth reaching the roots. A hole may develop through the side of the tooth with drainage till the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

One needs to see the doctor for a root canal in case of following symptoms –

• Severe toothache or pain while chewing
• Prolonged sensitivity
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness of the gums
• Recurring or persistent pimple on the cheek.

Dentists will better identify these issues and will prescribe relative treatment for the same. It is better taking preventive measures than damaging your natural tooth. It is advisable to take professional help before it gets too late.

About Metro Dental:

Metro Dental is a centre of dental excellence and innovation, offering expertise in General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Metro Dental provides dental caring with a talented team to deliver oral health care. As a fast-growing dental practice with stylish and clean new facilities, they have state of the art technologies and a highly experienced team.

Dr Suresh Patel is the Principal Dentist in Metro Dental. Dr Patel has 20+ years Member of the New Zealand Dental Association.