A Dentist Explains Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get a Root Canal

If you’ve been dealing with a toothache, then it could be a sign of accelerated bacteria growth. In some situations, this requires an immediate visit to your local dentist. Unfortunately, in such situations, some people will ignore the symptoms until they become absolutely intolerable. A local dentist says this isn’t the approach to take if you want to experience the best oral health possible. As you continue reading, find out why you shouldn’t wait to get a root canal.

The Problem of Oral Bacteria

Although bacteria are always present in your mouth, when you eat or drink (anything other than water), they flock to any leftover particles. If the debris isn’t cleared away through proper oral hygiene, then the bacteria feed and eventually form a clear, sticky substance called plaque. Over time, the acidic growth can begin to wear down tooth enamel (the hard, outer surface of the teeth) to cause cavities to develop.

When Oral Bacteria Growth is Ignored

The most detrimental trait of bacteria is that they only move in one direction: forward. Unaddressed, the decay they cause will eventually reach the sensitive inner part of the tooth where the nerves and canals are housed, which can lead to the destruction of the tooth’s roots, an abscess or the tooth dislodging.

One of the warning signs that the damage has reached a crescendo is a severe toothache. If this happens, it shouldn’t be ignored. Instead, you should contact your dentist to schedule an emergency visit.

The most common solution for a toothache related to acute bacteria growth is a root canal, but what does the process entail?

What a Root Canal Procedure Involves

When you visit your dentist for a standard root canal procedure, the advancing bacteria will be halted, and your tooth restored. Here is how the process works:

• X-ray images are captured to determine exactly how far the infection has traveled.
• A numbing medication is applied so you can have a pain-free treatment.
• The dentist will drill a small hole into the tooth to gain access to the decayed area.
• The decayed tissue will be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned.
• A special compound called gutta-percha will be used to fill the tooth, and then it’s sealed.
• Bite impressions are taken and used to create permanent dental crown.
• A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.

When the permanent crown returns from an in-network lab, your dentist will invite you back to his or her office to place it and leave you fully restored. With this fresh new start to your oral health, you can once again enjoy the normal function of your teeth.

Then, to prevent the need for other root canals in the future, you should be sure to brush and floss at least two times a day, and to maintain regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings. By receiving the care you need in a timely fashion and remaining vigilant about your dental wellness, you can enjoy a healthy and functional smile for years to come!

About the Author

For decades, Dr. Jacquie Nguyen has been providing the best in dental care, yet the Baylor College of Dentistry graduate still remains just as eager to help her patients as she was when she first entered the dental field. Dr. Nguyen understands how debilitating tooth pain can be, so she performs root canal treatments at Murphy Family Dentistry. She can be reached for more information through her website.