Infection and decay
Whether through accidental damage or as a result of untreated tooth decay which has built up over time, should the blood or nerve supply to the tooth become infected, a visit to the dental practice is necessary so as to avoid further damage. Whilst to begin with the infection may seem insignificant, if left untreated abscesses can often form along with a new sensitivity and significant pain. Visiting the dentist in Nottingham is therefore of great importance so as to promptly contain the infection and eliminate the possibility of it spreading further.
What to expect from treatment
Infections spread quickly and therefore it is important with any treatment to remove the infection as efficiently and effectively as possible within the first appointment. Whilst this is always the aim, in severe cases it can take a couple of appointments to tackle the entirety of the infection. Once all the bad pulp has been removed, a thorough clean of the area will be carried out in preparation for a filling to be fitted. To begin with a temporary filling may be used so as to easily remove it for the following checks on the area. This will then be replaced permanently once the dental team is certain the infected pulp has been cleared.
Although written on paper root canal treatment may seem a basic procedure, the skill and precision required to eliminate infections within the root canal are great and require a fair amount of time and patience to tackle. This is just one reason it is necessary to seek an appointment with your dental team as soon as the injury occurs to your tooth.
For cases where the infection has been caught early, within two appointments the process can be completed and a temporary filling applied to the area. However, for the more severe infections, the treatment can be more extensive and therefore require more visits to eliminate the bacteria. In either case, your dentist will be able to advise you on how long treatment is expected to take for your own individual circumstances.
How to take care of your oral hygiene after treatment
Keeping the mouth healthy is of extreme importance and this does not differ after root canal treatment. Whilst the area may be a little sensitive to begin with, once given the all clear and a filling has been fitted, you can return to the usual oral hygiene process. This means two thorough cleans of the teeth, gums and mouth on a daily basis. Alongside this daily routine it is of great importance to continue with regular check-up appointments with your dental team, so as to ensure your cleaning methods are effective and your overall oral health continues to improve.
Alternative solutions to root canal treatment
In some cases patients may wish to seek an alternative method to deal with the infection and whilst it is not recommended, it is entirely possible. For patients wishing to avoid the treatment, removing the infected tooth can be an alternative procedure carried out. Whilst this can greatly reduce the possibility of the infection spreading, it does not always eliminate it and it can therefore continue to spread.
If you are suffering from dental pain, please contact your dentist today to get treatment started.
