Is A Root Canal Procedure The Only Way To Treat Soft Pulp Infections?

When the soft pulp materials in the root canals of the teeth become infected, some form of treatment will be needed. But what?

When a dentist mentions a problem with the soft tissue inside a tooth, it’s often the words ‘root canal’ that people remember. For some patients, that is enough to make them nervous about the appointment before they’ve even heard what the treatment entails. But is a root canal always necessary in this situation? Could a filling be enough, or might the tooth need to come out instead?

What is the soft pulp of a tooth?

The pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of a tooth, located in the root canal area. It contains nerves and blood vessels and plays an important role in its health and functionality. Deep tooth decay is a common reason for problems to develop here. Bacteria can gradually work their way through the outer layers of the tooth until they reach the pulp. A crack, an injury or damage to a tooth can also cause similar issues. The first signs that there may be a problem might be when you notice sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink. This might be experienced as a sharp twinge that disappears quickly. At other times, the pain lasts for longer, often coming and going without warning, often at night.

These symptoms can give the dentist useful clues to the problem and can then be better understood through examinations and X-rays, given that the problem is deep below the gum line and usually not visible to the naked eye.

Would a regular filling work?

A filling would only work if the decay has not yet irreversibly damaged this area. In this case, it is possible that a regular filling will suffice to protect the tooth and stop the bacteria advancing any further. It is always good to contact our Bedford dental clinic as soon as you notice any discomfort. This is a good example of prompt treatment potentially meaning a more minor procedure than if ignored and left for too long.

When is root canal treatment needed?

If the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or dies as a result of infection, it is no longer possible to fill the tooth with a standard filling – a root canal procedure will be needed if the tooth is to be saved. During the procedure, our specialist dentist will remove the infected pulp,  then clean and disinfect the narrow canals inside the roots. The hollow canals will then be filled with a special type of filling material generally only used for this purpose called gutta-percha. This provides an excellent means of effectively sealing the treated canals and preventing further infections from arising.

Finally, a crown will often be attached to the treated tooth depending on the situation, both for cosmetic purposes but also to provide it with additional strength. Despite the root canal treatment having an unwarranted reputation for being very painful, it will be carried out under local strong anaesthetic and the patient should be comfortable during the treatment, although you may experience sensations such as pressure or vibrations.

Is treatment still needed if the pain goes away?

A tooth that has been aching or has been painful for days may suddenly seem much better. It can be tempting to assume that whatever was wrong has sorted itself out, especially if you are afraid of having treatment.

Unfortunately, if the pulp has died, the loss of sensation can simply mean that the pain subsides even though the infection hasn’t gone away. Infection may continue around the root and can eventually cause a potentially serious abscess or swelling. If you do experience any pain or sensitivity in a tooth, you should always contact The Dental Centre Bedford to have the tooth checked, and treated where necessary.

Are there alternatives to a root canal procedure?

This question is probably one of the first that springs to mind in some patients that have heard about a root canal treatment being painful. The reality is that while a root canal treatment can often save teeth affected this way, this may not always be the case. A tooth that is badly broken, too damaged by decay or otherwise unlikely to be restored successfully may need to be extracted. Your dentist will take into consideration the condition of the tooth, the surrounding tissues and the likely outcome of treatment before recommending what to do. If extraction is necessary, you can also discuss whether the missing tooth needs replacing and which would be the most suitable option for you. This will usually be a choice of dentures, a bridge or dental implants.

The essence of all this is that if you are experiencing discomfort or pain, it shouldn’t be ignored. Seeking treatment early could mean a more straightforward procedure. If you are told that you do need a root canal procedure though, don’t worry, you are in good hands with the dentists at our Bedford practice. To make an appointment with us, please call The Dental Centre Bedford on 01234 819868.