Your tooth is actually alive! There are delicate blood vessels and nerves housed in the centre of your tooth, protected by the hard outer layers.
Unfortunately, a tooth (or rather, the blood vessels and nerves within it) can die and become infected. This is usually (but not always) associated with significant pain, such as sleepless nights, prolonged discomfort to hot or cold water, or severe tenderness when chewing. In severe cases, a swelling (abscess) in the face or neck may develop which can be life-threatening. A swelling is a dental emergency and you should see us at Parade Dental Ocean Grove as soon as possible, or your nearest hospital if after hours.
To keep the tooth, the bacteria and infection inside must be cleaned out – a procedure known as root canal treatment. Once completed, the tooth is sealed up to stop pain and infection from recurring.
The procedure of root canal treatment:
- The tooth is numbed
- A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the nerve
- The bacteria are cleaned out with special instruments and flushed away with disinfectants
- The nerve space is filled with a root canal filling, so that bacteria cannot grow in the space
Many teeth are saved from removal by root canal treatment. The loss of a tooth can lead to problems with chewing and biting.
Surrounding teeth can also drift and tilt into the space, resulting in gaps between teeth where food is trapped, which may lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
Root canal treatment is completed over multiple appointments. Many people associate the words “root canal treatment” or “root canals” with pain, but with advances in dental technology, there is now minimal discomfort. Once this is completed, the tooth may need a new filling or a crown for added protection.
The most common causes of tooth death are:
- Deep decay
- A crack in the tooth
- A knock (trauma) to the tooth – the damage of which can be minimised by mouthguards
- Significant tooth wear
- Severe gum disease
Because root canal treatment is not suitable for all cases, sometimes removal of the tooth may be the only option.
