Toothaches are not a new development in human history. Evidence of a root canal treatment was found in the body of soldier who died about 2,000 years ago.
The Chicago Tribune reported on the finding in a story first published in 1985.
When anthropologists examined the skull, they discovered a thin, bronze wire in one tooth. A dental anthropologist said she believed the wire might have been used to deaden the infected pulp in the soldier’s mouth. The skull also revealed that this soldier had three abscesses and a cyst.
That soldier did not have the many benefits available to today’s dental patients. He didn’t have X-rays to reveal a problem early. He also didn’t have anesthetics and technology that could make his root canal treatment pain-free.
The patients of Bayou Dental Care in Monroe, LA, do have those benefits. While we hope you will never need a root canal procedure, you can rest assured that we use the most advanced equipment to make it as painless as possible.
Why You Might Need A Root Canal Treatment
Even if you never need a root canal, it’s worth taking the time to learn the signs that you may have a problem. This way, you will know if you or someone you love should seek treatment.
First, let’s explain a little bit about the anatomy of our teeth.
The visible part of your tooth is the crown. The part of your tooth that rests behind your gums is the root. Inside your tooth is a softer substance called pulp. Nerves and blood vessels run through your root canal into the pulp at the center of your tooth.
If tooth decay or an infection reaches the inside of your tooth, then the pulp can become inflamed. This may be the result of an abscess, which is an infection between your gum and your tooth, near the root of your tooth.
When this happens, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
► A dull ache or pressure
► Intense pain, which may be hard to locate
► Sharp pains when chewing or biting into food
► Sensitivity when eating or drinking something cold and hot
► Soreness in your gums
What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure
In spite of the countless advances in dentistry during the past 2,000 years, you may have heard horror stories from people who went through root canals just decades ago. But modern dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades.
In our office, you’ll find that root canals are meant to end your pain, not to cause more of it.
We can perform the procedure with local anesthetic, or we can administer sedation. Either way, our intent is to help you feel as comfortable as possible during the treatment. You should not feel any pain.
Once your anesthetic or sedation has taken effect, our dentist makes a hole in your tooth. Using special tools, Dr. Finley will remove the infected pulp all the way to the bottom of your root.
Once the pulp is removed, he will clean and sanitize your root canal. A special filling material is placed inside the root canal to fill it and to reduce your risk of reinfection.
When the inside of your tooth has been filled, we will make a dental crown to cap your tooth and to provide a final level of protection.
When we are finished, your pain should go away.
What Happens After A Root Canal
You may feel a little tenderness in the days following your treatment, but this can be handled with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
You may wonder what will happen now that your tooth has lost its blood vessels and nerve endings. The tooth will continue to receive the nourishment it needs from the tissues around it.
This will make routine dental care more important, however. You must continue to brush twice a day and to floss daily.
And you should continue to make regular visits to our dentist office in Monroe, LA. We will perform professional cleanings and provide examinations to help keep all your teeth as healthy as we can.
In more severe cases, a root canal treatment may not be your best option. Instead, it may be better to remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant paired with a dental crown.
End Your Suffering
If you have the symptoms of a root canal problem, then you should call Bayou Dental Group as soon as you can to schedule an appointment.
If you don’t have symptoms, let’s try to keep it that way. Make sure you have plans for your next cleaning and examination.
To contact us, call 318-323-9303 or use our online form to schedule a visit to our office.