Endo (root canal treatment)
A diseased tooth or infected nerve may signify the need of a root canal with signs of minimal or severe pain, ...
A diseased tooth or infected nerve may signify the need of a root canal with signs of minimal or severe pain, tooth discoloration, swelling and irritation in the surrounding gum tissue, and signs of infection visible on an x-ray. The logic behind performing a root canal procedure is to save the affected tooth and preserve the functionality of the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, the narrow channels below the pulp chamber in the inner part of the tooth are hollowed out, cleaned, and the roots are filed with flexible nickel titanium files. This is all done to preserve the life of the tooth and its functionality. In fact, if a root canal is not performed, the tooth may not be functional and may require extraction.
Why Are the Associated Toothaches So Painful?
Located inside each tooth are pulp chambers that funnel into root canals that house nerve fibers, blood and lymph tissues. The pulp chambers serve the purpose of sensory perception - hot and cold. A root canal can become infected for several reasons, including severe tooth decay, a crack, or chip in the tooth. In fact, any kind of restorative material such as a dental filling or crown can expand over time. Fractures in the tooth can occur through expansion. As a restoration pulls away from the tooth, or in the case of fracture, bacteria can set in and cause an infection. When pus and debris fill these narrow roots, the pressure from the bacteria causes pain, and the root may become infected. The end result may be a toothache.
In cases where tooth extraction is the only solution, the area where the tooth was may be replaced with a dental implant or dental bridge to maintain functionality, including a proper bite and avoidance of teeth shifting. It is important to have a professional evaluation into the cause of a toothache because a severe infection may spread beyond the jaw to the head and neck. If an infection spreads to the head and neck, more extensive medical treatment may be required, including hospitalization.
