
Each tooth has a core of soft tissue known as pulp, which contains nerves & blood vessels. The infection of this part of the tooth may occur due to a cavity that reaches the pulp, a fracture or an old injury. Inflammation causes swelling, necrosis as well as infection that can spread to the jawbone forming an abscess.
Symptoms
A symptom complex characteristic of pulpitis includes pain that persists after exposure to hot or cold foods. In addition, discomfort while chewing, gum swelling, grayish color of the tooth & the formation of a bump on the gum are also signs of the disease. However, in some cases, pulpitis may be asymptomatic as well as only be revealed by X-ray examination. Restore your oral health with a root canal in Victor Harbor-learn how!
Treatment
After administering anesthetic, the dentist opens the tooth tissue located on the top of the tooth crown. Then, the inflamed pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is flushed & shaped and the root canal is filled with a rubber-like substance. Finally, a filling or a crown is installed on the tooth to prevent reinfection. It should be noted that a course of treatment can last several visits as well as is generally comparable with a filling procedure.
Modern Technologies
Dentists now have various devices that assist them in performing highly accurate root canal treatments. A cone-beam computed tomography allows for displaying tooth root canal system in 3D, microscopic visualization helps determine the location of cracks & nickel titanium files help clean the root canal without damaging its delicate tissues. Moreover, bioceramic pastes seal the tooth, minimizing the possibility of bacterial infiltration as well as are ideal for use in young patients whose permanent teeth have not erupted.
The Importance of Saving the Natural Tooth
The preserved tooth root allows orthopedic dentists to maintain the integrity of the dental arch. Moreover, a successful endodontic treatment has an average success rate of 85-95% & can last several decades. At the same time, removing the affected tooth & installing an implant is a more complex as well as longer procedure than saving the natural tooth.
Aftercare Instructions
After the intervention, the patient may experience mild discomfort, which can be eliminated with over-the-counter analgesics. For a few days, it is necessary to avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth & to chew food on the opposite side. In addition, it is recommended to take measures to relieve swelling & pain, carefully brush & floss your teeth as well as visit the dentist for a check-up. If the patient has signs of inflammation, the dentist should be contacted. Painful sensations in the tooth require immediate appointment.
Author Bio: -
Ansley has 12 years of experience in the dental world. You can find his thoughts at teeth alignment blog.