What is a root canal in Edinburgh?
Root canal work is also commonly referred to as ‘endodontic treatment’ and by some ‘root canal therapy’, root canal treatment essentially treats the inside of the tooth, however, to understand root canal treatment in greater detail, it helps our patients to know something more about the anatomy of their teeth.
Getting to grips with your teeth..
Inside the tooth is the ‘pulp’; this is essentially a soft tissue which contains nerves, blood vessels, and even vital sensitive connectors! The pulp is extremely important in regards to the growth and development of the tooth, and interestingly once the tooth is fully mature and grown the pulp is still needed for the protection of the inside of the tooth (the tooth also continues to be nourished by its surrounding tissues).
What is the aim of root canal in Edinburgh?
In regards to the aim of root canal work; this may be a necessary dental procedure when the patient’s pulp becomes either inflamed, or infected, and is therefore becoming uncomfortable within the mouth.
What causes an inflamed or infected pulp?
Inflammation or infection may be triggered by a variety of causes, such as deep dental decay, repeated dental procedures on the affected tooth, or even a crack, a chip, or leaking fillings and crowns. In addition, trauma to the tooth may also cause the pulp to be damaged, which can occur even if the tooth is not visibly chipped or cracked.
What happens if I do not receive root canal in Edinburgh?
If root canal work is not administered it can cause extreme pain or even lead to an abscess or eventual loss of the tooth itself. Within the field of endodontics, an infected pulp will unfortunately not get better if it’s left alone, which is why it’s so important all patients come to see us as soon as they receive a referral (or are experiencing pain within the inside of the tooth).
What are the signs of an infected pulp?
A few common signs of pulp inflammation or infection consist of pain within the mouth, discolouration of the tooth, sensitivity to extreme temperatures (such as hot and cold drinks, to name just a few common examples) and lastly swelling, or tenderness within the nearby gums.
Does an infected pulp always show symptoms?
No! Despite common misconception within the field of endodontic dental care, sometimes there are no symptoms of a damaged pulp! However, if symptoms are present root canal work will help to eliminate these symptoms, in addition to eradicating the infection whilst saving your natural tooth.
So… What are the benefits of receiving root canal work?
In regards to their benefits, root canal work can prevent the infection spreading further within the mouth (therefore preventing further tooth loss, in addition to preserving the remaining healthy structure which is always preferred within our line of work). Lastly, restoration of your tooth to its natural look and function can feel far more comfortable within the mouth in addition to helping with oral hygiene and other dental matters.