We've all heard the term "root canal" and some even shudder at the thought of having the procedure. Here's what Dr. Birch wants you to know about root canals and why you shouldn't be nervous about them:
It is normal to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Birch will discuss options for medication at the time of the appointment. You should continue to clean and brush the tooth that received treatment. It is important to avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until a permanent crown or filling is placed.
Dr. Birch says there are many reasons for needing a root canal and each case is different. (His wife needed one because her tooth spontaneously died and the canals caved in on themselves!!!) But here are some common reasons some patients need root canals:
Severe tooth decay: When a cavity is left untreated, it can penetrate deep into the tooth, reaching the pulp and leading to infection.
Dental trauma: A fractured or cracked tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria, necessitating a root canal. Fun fact: Dr. Birch sees at least one patient every year from a baseball to the mouth. OUCH!
Repeated dental procedures: Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth can weaken it, making a root canal necessary.
Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing the tooth's roots to bacterial infection.
If you don't get a root canal as instructed, several serious issues could arise. The most immediate concern is that the infection in your tooth could spread beyond the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) to surrounding tissues, bones, and even other teeth. This can lead to more severe health complications, including the possibility of the infection spreading to your jaw or even into your bloodstream, causing systemic issues.
Another consequence of delaying a root canal is that the pain you're already experiencing is likely to worsen. Over time, the affected tooth may become more sensitive to hot or cold foods, pressure, or even just daily use, leading to intense, throbbing pain that can interfere with your ability to sleep or function normally. Infections left untreated can also result in the formation of an abscess, a painful pocket of pus that develops at the root of the tooth. This condition can cause significant swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth, and may require surgical drainage.
Without the root canal, the infection can eventually cause the tooth to die, leading to tooth loss. At that point, more invasive treatments like tooth extraction, dental implants, or dentures may be necessary to replace the missing tooth. Beyond tooth loss, untreated infections can lead to jawbone deterioration, which could compromise the structure of your mouth and complicate future dental work. In more serious cases, an untreated dental infection poses broader health risks, particularly if the infection spreads to other areas like the heart, brain, or lungs. This can potentially result in life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
Aside from health issues, delaying treatment often leads to financial consequences. This is because the procedures needed to correct the issue, such as implants or bone grafts, are typically more expensive and complicated than a root canal. For all these reasons, it is important to follow your recommendations and get the root canal as soon as possible.
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