What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused when the bacteria present in our mouths, and the foods that we eat, form an acid that damages the tooth. Two chief factors that put your teeth at a greater risk of decay are having sugary food items and smoking cigarettes.
A hole in the tooth created because of decay is known as a cavity. When you notice a cavity, you must see the dentist in order to receive a dental filling. If the tooth is left untreated, it further decays and the hole becomes deeper, and you will definitely require a root canal.
When does a cavity turn into a root canal?
A tooth has got three layers: enamel (the top layer), dentin (the middle layer), and nerve tissue (the deepest layer). If your tooth has got decay to the enamel or dentin, just a dental filling is enough to fix the cavity and solve the issue. But, if the cavity is kept untreated, the decay will extend to the deepest layer of the tooth that is the nerve tissue. If this condition arises, a root canal is essential in order to repair the tooth.
What are the signs that you require a root canal?
When you have a cavity that has extended to the nerve tissue, you may feel some or even every of the given below symptoms:
- Intense toothache whenever any pressure (such as chewing) is inserted on the tooth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to heat or cold foods/drinks
- Swelling or tenderness of the gums
- The tooth may become discolored
How is a root canal process performed?
First, the dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the site near the affected tooth. Next, he/she will eliminate the tooth’s decayed nerve tissue and any other related damage. After cleaning out and washing the tooth properly, the dentist will apply the dental filling and seal it. Since the process involves such sensitive tissue deep in the tooth, you may feel some kind of discomfort for some days afterwards.
How can you make sure that the cavity doesn’t turn into a root canal?
Root canal treatment is much more involved than a simple dental filling, and it also costs you more. The best method to avoid the requirement for a root canal is to take proper care of your teeth with-
- regular brushing
- daily flossing,
- attending dental check-ups on a regular basis
- getting cavities filled without any delay
Once the tooth has begun to decay, the issue will only get more complicated. The more you delay filling a cavity there is more possibility that you will require a root canal to fix the damage to the tooth.
Get the help you need!
You can get in touch with My Dentist for Life, if you want to get the best root canal treatment in Plantation, FL. We also provide dental fillings. Our dentist in Plantation will recommend the perfect treatment option based on your requirement and will always deliver you the quality care that you deserve. We’re just a call away.