Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. They are naturally designed to last that long. The problem is the food that people eat and the fact that most people just don’t know how to take care of their teeth! If we go back years ago, teeth that are rotten or injured are automatically taken out. Fortunately, today’s generation promotes saving of teeth through the process of root canal treatment.

Getting a root canal seems to be the trend nowadays if you want to maintain a healthy set of teeth. You can look for a dentist in San Diego who can do the procedure for you.

A tooth pulp is composed of soft tissues together with the blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves. Root canal is a procedure done when the tooth pulp is either inflamed or dead, and you want to save the tooth. Plenty of cases of root canal treatment have been successful in saving the patient’s teeth. But how can you know if you need to undergo one? Here are some indications if your tooth needs a root canal treatment: throbbing toothache, dull pain in a certain area or tooth, small blister that has been staying long in your mouth, and swelling that has become uncomfortable. Although there are many symptoms to warn you, there are times when you just don’t feel anything. That is why visiting the dentist regularly is very important. These symptoms are often times caused by an unnoticed cracked tooth, a deep cavity or a repeated dental procedure on the same tooth.

An endodontist (the specialist who performs root canals) takes away the injured or diseased tooth pulp. After which, the root canal(s) and the pulp chamber are cleaned before they are sealed. If by any chance the infected pulp was not removed from the tooth, certain substances may be released by bacteria that can destroy the bone anchoring the tooth in the jaws. Aside from that, more pain, infection and swelling can be experienced. Without any treatment, you are increasing your chances of losing your tooth. During your first visit to the dentist, the tooth will be given temporary filling after it has been cleaned. For you next visit, the temporary filling will be removed then the canal is filled and covered or sealed with a crown. This crown acts as your tooth’s shield for any fracture.

Don’t be too complacent after having your root canal treatment. You still have some after cares to do. Eating hard foods should be avoided until the whole treatment is done. Maintenance of oral hygiene and regular brushing are also important. Remember, taking care of your teeth is the key to preventing any tooth decay.