Root Canals![]() Nerve Extraction From the Root CanalThe "root canal" is the internal cavity which is located in the tooth. Inside there is the pulp, the soft part inside the tooth, and the nerve. Following root canal treatment, both the pulp and the nerve will be extracted and eliminated. However, there is nothing to worry about, because they are not really necessary for the functionality of the tooth. The absence of the nerve from the tooth, in fact, does not prevent its functioning or health. The nerve, in fact, is strictly necessary only when the tooth is inside of the gum. Once out, the nerve only serves to transmit sensory information of heat and cold. The fact that it is there or not, therefore, will not change anything. The Need to Remove Infected Tooth PulpProblems come when the pulp or nerve of a tooth becomes damaged. This rupture allows a proliferation of bacteria inside the tooth, where the pulp is located. Bacteria, or even decayed debris, can easily cause a tooth infection or abscess (a pocket of pus present at the base of the tooth's roots). An untreated abscess can damage more than just a tooth, so it is a situation you never want to ignore. If the pulp is not extracted from an infected root canal, there may also be other problems in addition to an abscess. You could face swelling that can also extend to the whole face, neck or head; bone loss at the base of the root; drainage problems to the outside of the root could cause a hole in the side of the tooth with drainage problems in the gums or even in the cheek. When Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?A treatment of this type is usually necessary when you have a broken tooth, when you have a deep cavity in a tooth, or when there are problems from a previous treatment. In some cases, if your teeth are very sensitive to heat or cold, it could be a signal that you need root canal treatment. Specifically, however, some symptoms that could make you realize that you need this treatment are intense and perennial sensations of heat and cold, high pain during chewing, pimples on the gums, swollen gums, or severe tooth decay. The best thing, in case you have one of these symptoms, is to make an appointment with one of our professionals. Please make an appointment here at Singing River Dentistry so we can check if you need root canal treatment. To make an appointment, all you have to do is call us at 256-712-3549. |
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