Even if you take proper care of your teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing, you can still wind up with a cavity and over time it can cause tooth decay. If left untreated, the decay penetrates into the pulp and the nerve of the tooth and can cause infection. If the infection advances, it can cause severe pain, and endodontic treatment might be the only solution left. Endodontic therapy is commonly known as root canal therapy, and while it can be performed by dentists, there are also professionals who specialize in this form of treatment. Although it’s a common procedure, endodontic specialists have trained specifically to perform this kind of treatment and their practices are often equipped with better technology.
Signs of Tooth Decay
If you experience consistent discomfort and pain in your teeth, you should visit your dentist who can refer you to an endodontic specialist in case you need endodontic therapy. Some other symptoms that indicate severe tooth decay are prolonged sensitivity to cold or hot drinks and food even after the item is no longer present in the mouth. This is usually because the decay might be spreading to the nerve of the decayed tooth. Apart from that, some other common signs of tooth decay are darkening of the tooth, swelling in the gums, and pain in the lymph nodes. Many times, the symptoms of tooth decay are not always visible, so it’s important to get regular dental checkups done to preserve the tooth.
What Happens During the Root Canal Therapy?
When you visit an endodontic specialist, they will identify the severity of the decay using x-rays or other imaging technology. They will then decide on a date on which the treatment will be performed; during the treatment, a hole will be drilled into the center of the tooth to access the pulp and the nerve to clean the debris and the decay. Sometimes, a crown may be placed on the tooth to protect and support the infected tooth. For more information about how root canal therapy is performed, take a look at the site Yorkhillendodontics.com and learn about the nature of the procedure.
Technology
One of the advantages of having the treatment performed at a clinic that focuses on endodontic therapy is advanced technology that makes the procedure safer and easier to perform. Mid-town Toronto clinic York Hill Endodontics is one such practice, equipped with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), an advanced imaging technology that yields a highly-anatomically accurate picture of the patient’s teeth, jaw, and sinuses. CBCT is superior to regular 2D x-rays and provides 3D visualization with minimal radiation exposure, rotating around the patient to create a picture. A surgical microscope that reveals even the smallest malformations in your teeth is another technology used by York Hill Endodontics to provide better quality care.
Common Myths about Root Canal Therapy
Among the many myths about endodontic therapy, one of the top ones is that it is painful. The reality is that specialists use advanced technology and anesthetics that makes the procedure painless. In case your dentist refers you to an endodontic specialist, don’t be afraid. This simple procedure can restore the affected tooth and provide better dental health.
