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A
root canal is usually required when the pulp tissue (commonly called the
nerve) inside the tooth is damaged and cannot recover. As the nerve deteriorates
you may begin to experience several symptoms of the dying nerve. The area
may be painful when pressed on and you may notice some swelling. The tooth
can become sensitive to temperatures, both hot and cold. One common indication
that a nerve has died is when a single tooth becomes discoloured. In some
cases, the nerve may die despite a lack of symptoms.
There are several common causes of nerve damage. Often it is because a
deep cavity has spread to the nerve due to a tooth fracture or a large,
deep filling. A blow to a tooth can also cause nerve damage. In some instances
the exact cause is unknown and a root canal may still be necessary.
As the nerve dies, it loses its ability to fight off bacteria and will
eventually become infected and perhaps even abscess. An abscess can be
extremely painful and should be treated immediately. Once the nerve has
deteriorated to this stage, only root canal therapy will alleviate the
problem and save the tooth. Fortunately, modern dental anesthetics and
techniques allow us to perform root canal procedures virtually painlessly.
How is a root canal done?
Depending on the treatment you require, it may be done in one, two or
three appointments. All decay is removed and a small opening is made through
the biting surface of the tooth to allow access to the nerve. Special
instruments are used to remove all of the infected material and remaining
nerve tissue. The inside of the tooth is then rinsed, dried and filled
to seal it and prevent re-growth of bacteria into the nerve chamber. Once
the root canal is completed, the access opening is filled. There should
be very little discomfort once it heals.
A tooth which has undergone root canal therapy may become brittle due
to the loss of natural moisture. In addition, if extensive decay was present
or a tooth fracture had occurred, a crown should be placed to prevent
further breakdown. Having a root canal done to save a tooth is less expensive
than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a false one. Modern
root canal therapy is very effective and predictable. These procedures
are over 90% successful and can be used to save a tooth which would otherwise
need to be extracted.
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