Why is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal treatment is most often needed for the relief of tooth pain caused by the irreversible damage of the dental pulp.
A number of conditions can lead to this:
- tooth decay
- deep filling
- trauma
- tooth fracture
- tooth or gum infection
- sometimes there is no apparent cause
When this occurs a dentist often has only two options: tooth extraction or a root canal treatment.
The medical name for root canal treatment is endodontic therapy. A root canal enables your tooth to be saved by replacing the damaged nerve tissue in the root of the tooth with a filling.
Symptoms that could indicate the need for root canal treatment are:
Throbbing toothache that lasts more than a few minutes requiring painkillers, spontaneous pain in your tooth, a tooth that is tender to bite on, your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or an aching tooth that keeps you awake at night.
How is a tooth restored following root canal treatment?
Teeth requiring root canal treatment often have large fillings or extensive damage and will require a crown to restore them properly. These teeth are weaker and the added protection of a crown is recommended.
If you have any of these tooth pain symptoms, make an appointment with one of the qualified and highly-skilled dentists at Meadowbank Dental for a dental examination and x-rays. We will advise you of the appropriate treatment for your teeth and discuss your options for resolving your tooth pain.