Oral and dental health is an important part of your overall well-being. Healthy and white enhance your smile, boost your confidence, and give you peace of mind. However, poor oral health might lead to gum disease and dental cavities. These dental issues are also linked to cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. You should, therefore, observe proper oral hygiene like flossing, brushing, and avoid sugary stuff.
Symptoms of Dental Disease
You shouldn’t wait until you experience some symptoms. Ensure you visit a dentist at least twice a year and observe oral hygiene.
However, if you experience the following symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist immediately;
- Sores and ulcers in the mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums after flossing or brushing
- The clicking of the jaw
- Loose teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Frequent dry mouth
When these warning signs are accompanied by the neck or facial swelling and high fever, seek emergency medical treatment.
The oral cavity collects all sorts of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Some of these bacterias are harmless but in small quantities. However, a diet of high sugar leads to conditions that might make bacteria to flourish. Increased inflammation makes the gums to pull away from the teeth.
Root Canal Therapy Can Stop Dental Disease
A root canal is a detailed dental procedure that involves removing the pulp, the tooth, and the soft center. In most cases, an endodontist or general dentist will perfume the procedure while you’re under anesthesia. The root canal treatment can be surprisingly pain-free, so you shouldn’t freak out.
The procedure is needed when the soft center of the tooth- known as the pulp- is infected, inflamed, or injured. The crown of the tooth can remain intact while the pulp is dead. Therefore, removing the infected or inflamed pulp will help in preserving your tooth structure. A root canal requires more than one visit to the dentist. An x-ray is needed to identify how deep the decay is and the right procedure to use.
What Causes Damage to the Pulp?
Common causes of inflammation or injuries in the pulp include;
- A crack or chip on the root
- Deep decay due to unattended cavity
- Injury to the tooth
- Several dental procedures on the same tooth
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure is done by a dentist. The first step is where a small amount of numbing medication will be placed on the affected or decayed tooth. This will be followed by a local anesthetic that will get injected into the gums. There might be a burning or sharp pinch sensation that passes quickly.
The dentist will make a small opening on the tooth and remove the infected pulp. Once the pulp is removed, a coat of antibiotics will cover the area to prevent infection. The procedure will end with the endodontist filling the top with a soft, temporary material.
Apart from the root canal, you might also opt for dental implants. The benefits of dental implants include;
- Prevention of bone loss
- Restoration of bite force
- Teeth will not get cavities
- Easy to care for
Any procured should be done by a professional dentist or endodontist.