The teeth are not only one of the most important components of the body, they are also one of the most durable. Individuals that keep up with their oral hygiene habits at home and continue to schedule regular appointments with a dentist will give themselves the best chance at keeping a bright and straight smile for their whole life. Regrettably, accidents can happen, and a very high percentage of patients of all ages will be forced to struggle with oral disease and decay. For many of these conditions, the pulp within the teeth may be severely damaged and the patient will need one of the most effective and commonly used dental treatments, the root canal.
The pulp within teeth is integral to the integrity of the teeth and the overall health of one's mouth. The pulp is the living part of each tooth and will constantly reinforce the outer layers by providing them with nutrients. This substance can become damaged for a number of reasons though varying from excessive dental treatments to fractures. Once the pulp has been exposed, there will be a very high likelihood that the bacteria within the mouth will infect the tooth.
There are a few warning symptoms that all individuals should remain aware of that could show that their pulp is damaged or infected. For many, the initial warning sign will be pain in and around the tooth. The pain can either be a dull ache that is felt throughout the day or a sharp pain that occurs anytime that pressure is applied to the infected tooth. There also may be pimples, bleeding, or swelling on the gums around the tooth.
In order to restore the health of the mouth, a root canal treatment will usually be needed for those with diseased pulp. This process starts with the dentist making a small hole in the tooth with a very precise dental tool. The diseased pulp will then be cleaned out and the interior will be allowed to dry. For especially severe cases of disease, the dentist may need to apply an antibiotic to the interior of the tooth for a week or longer.
When the area has been completely cleaned and dried, the dentist will need to restore the integrity of the tooth. For the most severe forms of damage, dental crowns may be needed to completely encase the tooth. Most individuals will need nothing more than dental fillings that will fill the hole that has been created.
The moment that any individual experiences pain within their mouth, swelling, or bleeding, they should contact their local dentist immediately. Root canal treatments are usually the ideal solution to protect the teeth and prevent the spread of disease throughout the rest of the mouth.
Visit BestBeverlyHillsDentist.com for more information. Our Beverly Hills root canal treatment specialist can examine your teeth and determine if a root canal treatment is needed.