Categories: Root Canal

Four Reasons to Visit a Root Canal Specialist

A root canal treatment becomes necessary when there is inflammation or infection in the pulp chamber of a tooth. A root canal specialist, otherwise known as an endodontist, is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of the pulp. The pulp consists of the blood vessels and nerve inside a tooth.

Four reasons you need a root canal

Here are four reasons you may need to visit a root canal specialist:

1. Pulp infection and decay

A pulp infection is why it would become necessary to visit a root canal specialist. An infection can lead to inflammation and subsequent damage. When the pulp gets damaged, it breaks down, leading to an increase in the rate of bacteria multiplication within the infected area. The dying pulp eventually turns into an abscess.

At this point, there could be swelling of the face and neck accompanied by severe pain. If the situation is not immediately addressed, the infection could spread to other parts of the mouth. However, if a root canal specialist is consulted early enough, the situation could be remedied before it becomes complicated. A root canal therapy is needed to treat a pulp infection. During the treatment, an endodontist removes the infected pulp, carefully cleans and disinfects the area and fills it with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha.

2. Repeated dental procedures leading to a damaged pulp

The pulp of a tooth can suffer damage due to repeated dental procedures. Patients who have had orthodontic devices such as braces inserted into their teeth more than once may eventually develop complications that lead to the pulp of a tooth being damaged.

3. Cracked or chipped tooth

Another reason a patient might visit a root canal specialist is a cracked or chipped tooth. There are several factors that may result in cracks or chips. This includes chewing on hard foods, ice and nuts. Also, a crack may develop due to pressure from teeth grinding.

Abrupt changes in the temperature of the mouth — for instance, chewing hot food and trying to cool your mouth with cold water — may lead to a cracked or chipped tooth.

Trauma or accidents also lead to cracked or chipped teeth. When the crack is extensive and extends to the pulp, a root canal treatment is needed to save the tooth.

4. Damage in the tooth's nerve tissue

A damage in the nerve tissue of the tooth is another reason a person may need a root canal treatment. People who have had a dental crown inserted are the most susceptible to nerve damage. Dental crowns are very sensitive to the trauma that can be the result of rough activity or accidents. When such incidents happen, it can have a negative effect on the health of the tooth's nerve. If the tooth's nerve does not recover from the incident, the dental pulp will fail and ultimately die. As a result, a root canal treatment would be required.

Need a root canal treatment? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today.