Teeth that have undergone a root canal will generally last as long as your natural teeth.
Beneath the enamel of your teeth is a pulp chamber that contains tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Extending from the pulp chamber down into the roots are two pulp canals that extend to the end of the roots and connect with the surrounding tissues underneath. When the pulp inside these canals becomes inflamed or infected, a procedure called a root canal is necessary to prevent the development of an abscess. Avoiding this painful procedure is a simple matter of taking good care of your teeth.
Causes of Inflammation and Infection of the Pulp
Without proper treatment, cavities and gum disease, such as gingivitis, may lead to deep decay, which can cause inflammation or infection of the pulp. To prevent both cavities and gum disease, practicing good oral hygiene and receiving regular dental checkups are essential. Damaged teeth and teeth that have undergone repeated dental procedures are at a higher risk of developing infections and inflammation of the pulp.
Symptoms of Inflamed or Infected Pulp
Signs that the pulp inside the roots is inflamed or infected include sensitivity to heat and cold, pain when chewing, discoloration of the enamel, swollen and tender lymph nodes and sensitivity in the bones and tissues around the affected tooth. Sometimes no symptoms are present at all, which is one reason a twice-yearly visit to your dentist is an important preventative measure.
The Root Canal Procedure
If your dentist suspects that you need a root canal, she will refer you to an endodontist, who will examine and X-ray the tooth. After administering a local anesthetic to the area, the endodontist will make a cut in the crown of the tooth and insert a very small instrument into the pulp chamber and canals and remove the infected or inflamed pulp. The chamber and canals are then filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. A temporary filling is placed in the hole in the tooth to protect it until you can return to your dentist to have a permanent crown placed on the tooth.
What You Can Do at Home to Avoid a Root Canal
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid a root canal. Brush your teeth twice a day. Gentle brushing for two to three minutes is ideal; hold the toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and thoroughly brush the gums where they meet the teeth. Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth to avoid excessive bacteria in those areas. Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup to ensure that any problems are detected early.
Root Canal Alternatives
If your dentist says that a root canal is in order, you can first try one of a few alternatives to the traditional invasive procedure. Some endodontists use lasers to vaporize the infected or inflamed pulp, leaving the healthy pulp intact, which substantially reduces the pain and healing time. The down-side is that laser root canals are generally not covered by insurance and can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 out of pocket at the time of publication. Another option is an experimental treatment called oxygen-ozone therapy. Since bacteria can't survive in oxygen, a cocktail of oxygen/ozone is infused into the tooth to kill the infection without surgery of any kind. A homeopathic alternative to a involves temporarily changing your diet to eliminate processed sugar and flour, consume raw milk, butter and fish, and apply goldenseal powder to the affected tooth and gum until the infection subsides.
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