What Causes Root Canal
If there is one treatment that many adults do not want to find out they need it is a root canal. Unfortunately, root canals have a bit of a negative reputation due to their portrayal in media as well as how root canals used to be done. However, many people don’t know about how far modern dentistry has come and that root canals have become much less of an ordeal. In fact, before root canals existed, decay that attacked tooth roots could only really be dealt with via extraction. In this article, we will discuss root canal causes, symptoms, and treatment options. If you are in need of a dental visit in the Swampscott Massachusetts area, please give us a call today for more information.
What Is A Root Canal?
The tooth roots are a part of the tooth that is below the gumline. Often decay happens above the gums either on the surface of teeth or at the gumline. But decay and bacteria can spread over time. When our teeth aren’t cleaned often or when we don’t go to the dentist for checkups, preventative care, and cleanings, bacteria can spread deeper and deeper into the tooth. This leads the bacteria and infection to go down to the root of the tooth. A long time ago, the only dental solution for an infected tooth root was the removal of the tooth. But with modern dentistry, a tooth can have a small hole drilled into it, and the decay can be removed, and the hollow portion of the tooth can be filled. All in all, the treatment is very similar to filling a dental cavity caused by decay.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is recommended when decay spreads into the tooth root. Without the root canal process, the decay will worsen leading to toothaches and eventually irreparable damage to the tooth. The tooth will either fall out or need to be extracted. Moreover, dental decay can spread from tooth to tooth and also plays a role in gum disease.
What Causes Root Canal?
Root canal is the treatment prescribed for an infected tooth root. The most common causes of an infection inside of a tooth are poor oral hygiene, genetics, and smoking tobacco. Tobacco has been linked to almost countless health concerns and this includes gum disease and damage to the teeth. Genetics can also play a role in how our teeth fight bacteria and infection. But one of the largest contributing factors is how we take care of our teeth. Regular dental visits, good oral habits, and a good diet can all decrease the risks of tooth infection.
What Is The Root Canal Process?
During a root canal, your dentist will drill a small hole in the surface of the tooth so that they can remove the infection from the tooth root. The root is then filled similar to how a cavity is filled after the decayed section is removed. In some cases, a dental crown will need to be installed to replace the removed section of the chewing surface of the tooth.
Schedule Dental Check-Ups In Swampscott Massachusetts
Root canals, cavities, and other dental issues can all be prevented and avoided by making regular check-ups. The reason we recommend two checkups per year is so that bacteria don’t have a prolonged period of time to grow unchecked. If you live in Massachusetts and need to make appointments for yourself and your family, please give us a call.