Root canals are a common dental procedure, but not everyone understands their purpose. A root canal treats infection inside the tooth’s inner layers. Left untreated, infection can lead to tooth loss. This article explores the most common reasons teeth require root canals. Maintaining oral health and seeing your dentist regularly helps prevent such issues.
Tooth Decay
Decay occurs when plaque bacteria eat away tooth enamel and dentin over time. It often starts as a small cavity but can penetrate to the inner pulp if ignored. This soft living tissue inside becomes infected, necessitating a root canal to remove all infected material and seal off the tooth. Decay beneath the gum line causes pulpal inflammation infection requiring root canal therapy to save tooth function normally. Early cavity treatment usually prevents it.
Cracked Teeth
Small cracks allow bacteria to seep inside over weeks. Cracks may result from teeth grinding, biting objects like popcorn kernels, or trauma from accidents. Cracks are difficult to detect but can cause tooth sensitivity and infection requiring root canal therapy. Small cracks allow bacteria to enter nerves without symptoms. Swelling follows needing root canals to remove infection reparable with denture repairs crown commonly.
Repeated Dental Procedures
Deep fillings or crown preparations sometimes damage the tooth’s nerve supply accidentally during treatment. Bacteria may later infect the pulp, signaling the need for a root canal to remove any remaining tissue and bacteria. Large fillings near the pulp risk irritation requiring root canal therapy sometimes to maintain the tooth long term.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
Gum disease destroys bone-supporting teeth when severe. Bacteria can track down into the root canals, infecting the pulp. Left untreated, infection will spread necessitating root canal treatment to save the natural tooth.
Trauma from Accidents
A hard fall, impact during sports, or other trauma may crack a tooth or damage its blood supply. Over time, pulp tissue inside may become infected even without an obvious crack. A root canal cleans out any infected material to prevent an abscess. Fall, impact damages pulp unintended. Swelling follows signs root canal is needed to limit further issues typically.
Asymptomatic Pulp Necrosis
Sometimes pulp tissue inside a tooth dies from unknown causes like aging. Though the tooth feels fine, bacteria may infect it later without blood flow to fight infection. A root canal addresses any infection before pain or swelling occurs. Gum disease releases bacteria toxins triggering pulpitis. Root canals eliminate this save tooth appearance and function frequently.
Endodontic Surgery
Prior root canals fail or requiring apicoectomy cleans flushes infections facilitating additional healing normally. Gum recession and erosion reveal tooth pulp. A root canal is essential before pain, and swelling develops and prevents potential tooth loss usually. Mineral build ups irritate surrounding tissues necessitating root canal treatments to remove discoloration restoring functionality occasionally.
Conclusion
In summary, root canals save natural teeth from extraction by eliminating infection inside. Swelling occurs after requiring root canal therapy to eradicate infection, which is typically fixed with crown denture repairs. Common causes like decay, cracks, advanced gum disease, or accidents often initiate the need for treatment. Seeing a dentist regularly helps prevent such issues or catch them early. Root canals preserve oral function and aesthetics long term.