Root or tooth infection is a common problem and affects patients of all ages. Patients with root or teeth infection usually experience pain when they bite into something hard. Also, their teeth could be overly sensitive and they may get a zinging feeling when they eat something very hot or cold. Another indication of infection is when a patient has a swelling or discoloration near the tooth, irrespective of whether there is pain in the area or not. In case of any of these signs, patients are advised to visit Dr. Robert Wiese, a DDS serving Garland, as soon as possible. They may need to undergo a root canal treatment.
This treatment focuses on the health of the root’s pulp. This pulp is usually found in the tooth’s center and in the canals that exist in the root of each tooth. The pulp’s function is to nourish the tooth when it first comes out from the gum. However, due to certain reasons, this pulp may get infected and start affecting the tooth in a severe way. Therefore, in such cases a dentist may recommend that the infected pulp be removed through a root canal treatment. The alternative to a root canal is usually extraction and dentists try to avoid this unless absolutely necessary.
Root canals are common dental procedures and are usually recommended to save teeth. In fact, they save approximately 24 million teeth in the U.S. every year. Patients may need root canal treatments due to two major reasons: infection or pulp damage.
Infections are usually caused due to untreated cavities. When a cavity is unattended for a long period of time, the decay can erode the dentin and enamel of a tooth until it reaches the center of the tooth and starts affecting the pulp. When this infection is further untreated, the decay can go even deeper and affect the root of the tooth.
Another reason for root canals is irreparable damage to the pulp. Sometimes, pulp can be damaged due to fractured teeth, lots of dental fillings and other restoration work done to the teeth.
Dr. Wiese can inspect your teeth and advise you on the most effective root canal treatment to save your teeth and keep you smiling.