What Is A Root Canal?
What Are Some Reasons I Would Need A Root Canal?
In this case the nerve of the tooth has died, typically due to Trauma or Decay / Bacteria getting into the nerve. The tooth may or may not have pain but is most often seen as a shadow at the end of the root on X-rays. If pain is present, it is often due to tapping on the tooth or chewing. Sometimes the tooth may be discolored (often seen on traumatized front teeth). This is considered an INFECTED TOOTH. The infection WILL NOT heal on its own or with antibiotics and must be treated. Failure to do so can lead to many health issues.
This is when the nerve of the tooth becomes inflamed. A large cavity close to the nerve, a fractured tooth, or trauma are most often the cause. This situation almost always involves severe pain (tooth ache). The tooth is often sensitive to hot or cold with lingering (feeling lasts more than 15 secs). Spontaneous pain (pain for no reason) or pain that wakes you up from sleep are common signs.
This is when the nerve is exposed when the dentist is working on the tooth for a filling, crown or other restoration. The tooth in this case will often need a root canal. That is not always the case though, so this situation should be discussed at more length with your dentist.
This is a rare occurrence when the tooth starts to eat away at itself. It is important to treat this situation ASAP as it can often lead to tooth loss. Root canal is usually necessary to fix this problem.
How Will I Know If I Don’t Need A Root Canal?
How Can I Avoid A Root Canal Or Losing My Tooth?
New techniques and materials in dentistry have given dentists the ability to avoid the need for root canals. If the above reasons for needing a root canal are not present( ie the nerve is alive and no infection is present), then a pulp cap can be used to avoid root canals when large cavities are present. Several tests are required to ensure whether this procedure can be successful or if a root canal is necessary. If your dentist is not testing your tooth, you may be receiving treatment you don’t need. Pulp caps, when done correctly have a 95% success rate and can avoid root canals and subsequent crowns, saving your tooth and also your pocketbook (root canals and crowns can be thousands of dollars). This procedure is a specialty of Arlington Dental Arts and a service we take great pride in providing to our patients).
There are instances when a root canal is necessary and that is okay. If performed well, they have a very high success rate. When they are performed on Posterior (back) teeth, however, the job is not done. In almost all cases, the tooth will require a crown (or Onlay/Overlay) to prevent fracture. Root canal treated teeth in the posterior without a crown have an extremely high fracture rate. If they, fracture (break), the tooth is often non-reparable and requires extraction. Not all Anterior (front) teeth need crowns after root canals need crowns and this is an important distinction and something to keep in mind. In fact, patients often are better off avoiding crowns on Root Canal treated front teeth but not always. It is important to have a conversation with your dentist as to what is best for you.
Periodontal disease is an often pain-free and chronic infection of the gums and bone. Its reversible alter-ego is known as gingivitis, which only initially affects the gums but will progress to periodontal disease. It is important to treat this early on in the gingivitis state before it progresses. Once a patient has either of these disease processes, a regular cleaning (prophy) cannot be performed. Some type of scaling is necessary as treatment. The longer things progress, the worse things get. If treatment is put off too long, periodontal surgery can be necessary or even tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the NUMBER ONE cause for tooth loss.
This is a rare occurrence when the tooth starts to eat away at itself. It is important to treat this situation ASAP as it can often lead to tooth loss. Root canal is usually necessary to fix this problem.
Affordable Dental Care in Arlington Heights
We Take Care Of Our Patients
Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and get the smile you’ve always wanted!