Sitting at dinner, you grab your fork, staring at the plate, your tummy growling with excitement. Your meal looks delicious, and you’re starving. Quickly, you toss a bit into your mouth, biting down. Crack. All of a sudden, something seems completely off. The tender goodness seemed a bit harder or crunchier than expected. What really happened, though, is a fragile tooth fell apart, leaving you bit a bit of enamel on the plate. In this case, you’ll have to ask yourself what to do. Is a visit to the dentist needed? Sometimes a root canal is required to close up that opening, minimizing the likelihood of contagion. If you’re worried, here are three things to know about the common practice.
When Do You Need the Procedure?
At some point, you may have injured the exterior of the tooth, also known as enamel. If this is left open, bacteria and food can get lodged in the crevice, creating an infection. When this occurs, the root becomes painful, swollen and puss-filled. It’s hard to think of it like an infection in your skin, but they are comparable. You simply may not see the development in the early stages. Instead, you’ll feel it as your cheek puffs up and the nerves begin to ache. Therefore, if you have cracked or chipped a tooth and sensitivity lingers, researching emergency dentistry windsor terrace may be prudent.
How Is It Helpful?
Because you use your teeth regularly, maintaining them is valuable. Professionals can x-ray the area, determining if there is any trouble. If too much of the nerve is exposed, removing the root may be recommended. Don’t worry. The base of the tooth remains, and a crown goes on top. Most likely, no one would ever know you had anything done. The specialist uses a drill to go through the enamel, clearing out the growth and excess fluid. Then, it’s cleaned, and the tooth is worn down.
Is It Painful?
Because this involves removing a nerve, chances are you may feel something. Work with the provider to reduce discomfort. Similar to filling a cavity, options are available to make the experience less nerving and assist you in remaining calm. For example, numbing agents can be used, eliminating feeling in the area. Plus, some offices offer laughing gas and other forms of anesthesia. Overall, it’s usually a short visit with a quick recovery. Some irritation could last for the next few days. Simply plan ahead to keep some soft foods in the home.
Don’t put off a root canal. The experience is intended to relieve your distress, allowing you to go about your normal activities.