23
Apr
Why You May Need A Root Canal and The Possible Consequences Of Putting It Off
Root canal procedures offered in Devonshire, Bermuda, by our doctors at Positive Image Dental can become necessary when the inner area of the tooth (called the pulp) becomes damaged or infected. The pulp inside a tooth is the soft tissue made of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. When the pulp is infected, it can lead to severe pain, infection, and tooth loss when left untreated. You may find yourself in a situation where the symptoms of needing a root canal are present, but you don’t recognize them.
The question you may be asking yourself is, why do you need a root canal? Here’s why you might need a root canal and the potential consequences of not getting one:
- Severe Tooth Pain: One of the primary reasons for needing a root canal is experiencing severe tooth pain, especially when biting down or applying pressure to the tooth. This pain typically indicates that the nerve and pulp inside the tooth have become inflamed or are infected due to advanced decay, a crack in the tooth, or other physical trauma.
- Pulp Infection or Inflammation: If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it cannot heal independently. Bacteria can penetrate the pulp through deep cavities, fractures, or dental procedures, leading to infection and tissue breakdown. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissues without intervention, causing abscess formation and bone loss.
- Swelling and Abscess: Untreated pulp infection can lead to the formation of a dental abscess, a pus-filled pocket at the root of the tooth. Abscesses are accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and sometimes drainage of pus. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and soft tissues, leading to more extensive damage and potential systemic complications.
- Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration of the affected tooth may occur due to pulp necrosis (death) or haemorrhage within the pulp chamber. The tooth may darken or develop a greyish hue, indicating irreversible damage to the internal structures.
- Progression of Decay: If decay or infection is left untreated, it can continue progressing, affecting neighbouring teeth and increasing the risk of further dental problems. Untreated infection can lead to the loss of the tooth’s structural integrity, necessitating extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.
- Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Untreated tooth infections can cause chronic pain, discomfort, and difficulty chewing or speaking. The infection can also affect neighbouring teeth and oral structures, leading to widespread discomfort and compromised oral function.
Why do I need a root canal?
You’ll likely need a root canal if you have an infection at the center of your tooth (pulp chamber). Typically, this happens when you have untreated tooth decay, which can be caused by cracks or repeated dental work. Antibiotics can do little to save your tooth when the pulp chamber has an infection. Only a root canal can resolve the deep infection.
What are the signs of an infected tooth?
You’ll know you need a root canal because of the unpleasant symptoms. If you experience the following symptoms, it’s a sign your tooth has an infection.
- Increased tooth sensitivity when consuming hot and cold drinks and foods
- A severe toothache, especially when you bite into something
- Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth becomes dark or brown as the blood vessels die off)
- Swollen face or gums
- A pimple-like swelling on your gums
- Visible cracks or decay on your tooth
With regular dental check-ups, the dentist can determine the need for a root canal even before symptoms manifest. Dental x-rays can detect the presence of infection, and treatment can start before it’s too late.
What happens during root canal treatment?
The dentist will take dental X-rays to assess your tooth and determine if it is appropriate for a root canal. If it is, we will apply local anesthetics to numb your gums, ensuring a comfortable procedure. Next, the dentist will place a rubber dam to ensure only the treated tooth shows and the rest of the mouth is protected.
The dentist will make a tiny hole in your tooth and use it to remove the infected/damaged tissues. The tooth will then be irrigated and disinfected until all the infection is gone. Once that is done, we’ll fill the tooth with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) to seal off future infections. The final step is to restore your tooth with a filling, although a dental crown is preferable for significantly weakened teeth.
Are root canals painful?
You’ve probably heard root canals are incredibly painful, but that’s outdated. We aren’t in the 1960s! Modern root canal procedures are virtually painless, thanks to advanced anaesthetics and refined, gentle techniques. Most patients say the experience feels similar to filling a cavity, with little to no discomfort during the process.
Is extraction better than a root canal?
Tooth removal is faster and more affordable than a root canal, but is it better? The short answer is no. Dental extractions resolve pain and infection but leave a gap that compromises aesthetics, confidence, and functionality. While you can treat this gap with an implant, bridge, or partial denture, these options are costly and time-consuming. A root canal preserves your tooth to avoid the consequences of tooth loss and expensive tooth replacements.
Is there a root canal dentist near me?
Do you need a root canal in Devonshire, Bermuda? Positive Image Dental offers gentle and effective root canals. Call (441) 292-2312 to reserve an appointment.
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The Positive Image Dental team comprises three doctors:
Ian Campbell, DMD graduated
from Saltus Grammar School, Mount Allison University, and McGill University Dental School. He has
over 40 years of experience in dentistry and is reputed for providing high-quality dental care in
Bermuda. Dr. Campbell is passionate about lifelong learning and staying abreast of the latest trends
in dentistry.
Christopher Allington, DMD is
an alumnus of the University of Queens, McGill Dental School, and University of Connecticut. He has
been practicing in Bermuda for over 12 years and is a member, past president, and chair of the
Bermuda Dental Association and Bermuda Dental Board. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General
Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantology and is registered for fellowship in the
International Association of Orthodontics.
Dr. Lara Loescher BDS, MFDS
RCSEd is a graduate of Bermuda High School and University of Bristol, a member of the Royal
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is completing a Masters in Aesthetic and Restorative
dentistry. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign, for over 13
years and is interested in diabetes management.
Dr. Faraz, BSc, BDS, MA, is
passionate about all aspects of high-quality dentistry, especially endodontics and cosmetic
dentistry. His enthusiasm for cutting-edge technologies and techniques keeps him grounded in
minimally invasive dentistry.
Dr. Faraz earned his doctorate in dentistry from King’s College London in 2011 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences. He worked in Oxfordshire for ten years before moving to London to work full-time at his family practice. Dr. Faraz routinely pursues additional training to improve his skill in rebuilding exceptionally natural-looking teeth.
He gains tremendous satisfaction from supporting anxious patients in overcoming their dental phobias via his passion and patience, restoring confidence in their oral health. Dr. Faraz looks forward to serving you with all your needs while ensuring your trust is always in safe hands.