Infected Tooth Requires Root Canal Therapy
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
An infected tooth is the main cause behind the need for root canal therapy. Symptoms may include pain in a tooth when pressure is applied, high sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling around the gums, and graying or blackening of the tooth. These are the result of damage to the tooth pulp, either by unchecked infection or by trauma.
The most common cause of unchecked infection is decay that is not properly treated. Unchecked decay can be ongoing due to untreated cavities or to old fillings or crowns that should be replaced. If the infection continues too long, it can also cause bone loss around the tooth. Excessive bone loss may require a tooth to be pulled instead of undergoing a root canal.
Diagnosis of an infected tooth may include x-rays, testing for sensitivity to hot, to cold, or to pressure, and examining the surrounding tissue. If results are still not clear, such as when a large filling blocks the x-rays, your dentist may use an electric pulp tester.
The first step in root canal therapy is to measure the canal itself, which may involve anesthetics or even sedation. The dentist removes the top of the pulp through a small hole and then measures it via x-ray or electric apex locator.
The second step is to actually remove all of the infected pulp. After this step, the canals must be rinsed with antiseptic solution, dried thoroughly, condensed and sealed. The seal may be done at the same time or at a later appointment, depending on the condition of the tooth. Otherwise you will get a temporary filling.
Finally, the tooth is usually restored with a full coverage crown. This keeps the tooth from fracturing.
Root canal therapy is often completed in one visit if there are no complications, although two visits are also normal. Later office visits may be required to check on removed infections.
Possible Complications
Certain complications may occur with root canal therapy, as follows:
1) The tooth may develop further infections if a canal is left untreated. All root canals leave a residual infection. They may grow when there is a more than anticipated number of canals inside a tooth.
2) An unnoticed crack in the root of the tooth.
3) New bacterial infection entering the inner parts of the tooth causing recurrent infection.
4) Poor restoration that does not stop decay.
5) Damaged roots may allow bacteria to be pushed out of the roots and into surrounding tissue
These complications are generally rare. Root canal therapy has over a 95% success rate. In the hands of an experienced dentist, the procedure should be completely pain free. Repaired teeth last for many years. Finally, a root canal with a nice crown should be cosmetically attractive.
One more thing is that you may feel discomfort afterwards. This is when you can benefit from antibiotic or analgesic treatment. During this period it is very helpful to keep chewing with the treated tooth to a minimum.
About the Author
Article Submitted By:
Dr. Dennis Clark
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Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 Time: 9:46 AM
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