I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
A dental nerve that is irritated can cause a great amount of discomfort. Often, if a dental nerve's inflammation cannot be soothed or if the nerve is permanently damaged, a root canal can be performed to alleviate the problem.
During a root canal, the material inside a tooth is removed. Once the material has been suctioned away, the interior of the tooth is filled with a suitable dental composite material. A dental cap or crown is placed to protect, beautify and restore the healing abilities of the tooth.
There are multiple ways in which a dental nerve can be damaged, making a root canal necessary. Here are a few of them:
A Dental Infection
If bacteria invade a tooth, an infection can develop. The infection can cause the living substance inside the tooth, which is called the dental pulp, to become swollen. Since the pulp contains the dental nerves, the swelling can irritate and inflame these sensitive tissues.
Even if a dental infection can be successfully treated using antibiotics, the damage that occurs once the nerve becomes inflamed may not heal. As a result, the dental nerve can cause a patient to feel great amounts of discomfort that cannot be alleviated without extracting the tooth or receiving an endodontic treatment, such as a root canal.
Trauma
A blow to a tooth can damage dental nerves. This type of damage may occur from accidental impact, such as that of an automotive collision, too much contact during sporting activities, or a fall. Even if the damage does not cause a chip or crack to form in the tooth, the tooth may still be damaged. The damage may be primarily located within the dental pulp and can result in the darkening of the tooth and in the irritation of the dental nerves.
Overuse of Dental Whiteners
Although in-office professional whitening applications are considered safe and effective, the overuse of over-the-counter whitening kits can cause dental sensitivity. The sensitivity is often due to the bleaching chemicals reaching the dental nerves through the pores of the teeth. As a dental nerve becomes progressively irritated, the patient may experience pain when he or she consumes hot or cold foods.
Sometimes, the irritation subsides over time and the dental sensitivity lessens. However, in chronic cases of dental sensitivity, a root canal may be required.
To learn more about dental nerves and how root canals can alleviate dental discomfort, consult with a dentist such as Stephen J Vanyo DMD PA.
Share22 April 2016
