An infection of the root canal system is a fairly common dental issue. Most of the time, a dentist near you can treat this condition using root canal therapy in Red Deer. At Gaetz Dental, we offer root canal therapy near you to alleviate your painful symptoms and save your tooth from extraction.
What is a Root Canal Infection?
All your teeth have a system of root canals, which are extensions of the pulp that is in the center of the teeth. This pulp contains all the important nerves and blood vessels that provide nutrients to your tooth. A root canal infection is when this pulp becomes infected. In this case, treatment is necessary to save the tooth from dying, as it can no longer get the essential nutrients it needs. Root canal treatment involves a dentist in Red Deer removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the area, and filling and sealing the hole.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with a Root Canal Infection?
The most obvious symptom of root canal infection is pain. If the affected tooth’s nerves are still alive, you will experience increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold substances. The pain will be random and vary in intensity throughout the day. In severe cases, root canal pain can lead to headaches. You may also notice some swelling and redness in the gums around the affected tooth.
What Causes a Root Canal Infection?
There are a few reasons why a tooth may require root canal treatment. Some of the most common reasons for infection are:
- Deep cavities: when tooth decay is left unchecked, it can reach the pulp and spread infection.
- Dental trauma: injury to the tooth can sometimes cause the vital nerves to be separated from the end of the tooth root. This can happen immediately following the accident or years later. Injury to the tooth can also involve cracks or chips, which can expose the tooth’s pulp to infection.
- Resorption: dentists are not entirely sure why resorption occurs. It can be related to dental trauma or excessive stress on the teeth. Resorption causes the tooth to dissolve, beginning from the inside of the tooth and moving outwards. This can invade the pulp, leading to the need for root canal treatment.
- Repeated dental procedures: procedures that involve a lot of dental drilling, carried out on the same tooth multiple times, can cause the pulp of that tooth to become irritated and inflamed.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Removing the infected or damaged pulp from a tooth will allow the tooth to function as it should. If you do not get root canal treatment when you have an infected tooth, the only other option is to remove the tooth. However, once you have extracted a tooth, you will have to replace it with a dental restoration to prevent further oral health problems such as shifting teeth and jawbone deterioration. It is always in your best interest to keep your natural teeth in your mouth for as long as possible.
If you have a chronic toothache or unexplained oral swelling, it is vital that you visit Gaetz Dental for a checkup. These could be signs of an infected tooth, and it is better to address them immediately to preserve your teeth. Please do not hesitate to contact our team and book an appointment today!
