Are you suffering from constant, gnawing pain? Do you feel your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold things? Mild dental decay can be treated with dental fillings, but if the bacteria spreads and affects the pulp chamber, you may require an extensive procedure. 

The team at Lakeview, Chicago dental practice offers root canal treatment for extensive tooth decay which involves removal of the infected pulp to relieve pressure and prevent further damage. 

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy is a non-surgical, endodontic procedure that gets you rid of the infected pulp while maintaining the structure of your tooth. It involves the removal of the entire infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals, and restoring it with a suitable, biocompatible material such as gutta-percha. 

What are the signs of pulp infection?

Pulp infection can be debilitating if not detected and treated on time. It exhibits a variety of signs and symptoms based on the severity of the infection. Some of the warning signs include:

• Excruciating pain in the tooth that does not subside easily even after taking medications 
• Increased sensitivity to heat and cold temperatures 
• Visibly swollen gums 
• Presence of an abscess (pus-filled pocket) around the affected tooth
• Swollen jaw causing facial asymmetry
• Tooth discoloration
• Pain while biting or chewing 
• A chipped or cracked tooth 
• Loose tooth 

What are root canal treatment benefits?

Root canal treatment offers the following significant benefits:

• Prevents infection

1. 1. 1. Since the entire infected pulp is removed, there is minimal to no risk of the infection spreading to the nearby tissues. 

• Saves the tooth from extraction

1. 1. 1. By removing the infected pulp tissues and curbing the infection from spreading, you can greatly reduce the need for extractions. 
      2. RCT preserves the natural tooth structure to a great extent. 

• Offers aesthetically pleasing results 

1. 1. Post-RCT your tooth is restored with a crown (preferably porcelain) which enhances your oral aesthetics, and creates a beautiful smile. 
2. Preserves your jawbone 
   1. RCT significantly prevents the need for extractions and the negative consequences that follow such as bone resorption, and drifting of the adjacent and opposite teeth in the edentulous space.
3. Is a painless procedure 
   1. The procedure is performed by numbing your teeth with a local anesthetic, thus it is a painless procedure.

Takeaway

There are great chances that you can prevent root canal infections. Ensure to follow a good oral hygiene routine involving brushing, and flossing. Scheduling regular dental visits and professional cleanings can also greatly prevent pulp infections, thereby improving your quality of life.