What is a root canal filling?

A root canal filling is a dental procedure that is employed to try and save a tooth from infection, which ultimately can lead to gum disease or extraction. Although the root and nerve system is buried under the several layers that make up a tooth, it can still be exposed to infection via a cavity or fracture, it’s imperative that the process is stopped early on, either by filling the hole or by removing the inner workings – known as the pulp. If bacteria have caused the pulp to die, it has to be scraped out completely, and the canal filled before other parts of the mouth become infected.

What happens during a root canal treatment?

Once the pulp has succumbed to infection, it will quickly die, and the sooner it is removed the better. After several x-rays have been taken to identify the area requiring surgery, your dentist will decide whether or not to administer anaesthetic. This might sound risky, but if the process of decay is far enough along, there may be no sensation in the tooth anyway. However, the majority of patients find it easier to relax if they know there’s no chance of them feeling anything.

When you are completely numb, the root canal can begin. Your dentist will drill directly into the crown of the infected tooth until the pulp chamber is visible, allowing them to scrape out the diseased tissue. The next step is to clean the empty chamber as thoroughly as possible; if even a minute piece of the pulp remains it can cause the problem to spread again. After the cleaning is completed, the hole has to be filled with either amalgam or composite material – composite being the more popular option for root canals in modern dentistry. In some cases, the canal will have to be widened with surgical instruments before the filling material can be put in place.

The entire root canal treatment can be quite time-consuming and arduous for both patient and surgeon, so most clinics will chose to place a temporary filling in the treated tooth to allow for some healing time between appointments. If you are fitted with a temporary filling, you will have to return to the surgery after a few weeks to have a canal filling inserted – this is a much more durable, permanent addition. It’s likely that your dentist will also chose to fit a crown or ‘cap’ over the remaining structure of the tooth, this is because it can no longer replenish the hard minerals needed to retain its strength, so it needs to be protected. You might wonder if it would be easier to just remove the offending tooth and have done with it, but this is rarely a favourable option; the dentist should try to save the tooth if possible, it might be dead inside but it can still function as normal with a crown over the top of it. The complications that can arise from an extraction are greater than you might think; missing teeth can cause all sorts of trouble with pressure distribution, which in turn may lead to orthodontic problems in the future.

How can I avoid needing a root canal filling?

The majority of cases requiring treatment like this are the result of tooth decay caused by a lazy attitude towards oral hygiene. It’s easy to dismiss the importance of brushing and flossing, but the implications of rotten teeth can be painful and far-reaching. Failing to properly clean and take care of your teeth can lead to cavities, which is the first stage of tooth decay; bacteria and acids start to break down the enamel and rot right through to the delicate pulp at the centre of the tooth. Cavities that start off small won’t stay that way, if you get straight to a dentist for treatment as soon as you notice any, you might avoid a root canal procedure. Sadly, small cavities can often be overlooked and can do too much damage before you have chance to correct it – this is why regular checks with your dentist are so important, they can fill the holes and stop decay before it takes hold.

Unfortunately, even the most health-conscious individuals can still have accidents that require a root canal. A heavy impact to the mouth could fracture one or more teeth, exposing the nerves to infection. Once a path has been opened for the bacteria and food debris to attack the root of the tooth, the dentist won’t have any choice but to remove the pulp, they need to protect the rest of the teeth. If you have such an accident, you should have your teeth examined by a professional, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or notice any obvious cracks, there could be underlying damage that might affect you at a later date – superficial fractures should be filled before they break further into the teeth.

What symptoms should I look out for?

There are various signs that could point to a root infection, if you notice any of them, make an appointment immediately, as you might require surgery. The Pearl Dental Clinic provides essential services like root canal treatments, as well as a twenty-four hour dentist’s office, for out of hours emergencies.

Stabbing pains or severe toothache after biting and chewing is a tell-tale sign of infection – especially if the pain flares up with only minimal contact. Hot and cold temperatures can also bring on a bout of toothache, a much harsher pain than everyday sensitivity. If you feel that your teeth are weak or loosening in their sockets, you should definitely seek assistance, as the infection may be further along than you anticipate.

Symptoms that urgently need looking at include; swelling around the gums, oozing near the infected area, and extremely painful toothache that points to an aggressive infection. If you ignore the things your body is telling you, you could end up losing teeth or even developing septicaemia – this may be a worst case scenario, but it does happen to the few people who are too lazy, or more commonly too afraid, to go to the dentist. Don’t allow your condition to deteriorate to this level, talk to your surgeon or a third party if you are afraid of dental procedures like root canals – they are far easier to deal with than the outcome of tooth decay and gum disease.