Two Common Procedures: What you need to know
Root Canal. Root canals,or endodontics, are required when a tooth´s pulp becomes diseased or infected. The tooth pulp is the blood vessels and nerves surrounding your teeth. If you believe you might need a root canal because you are suffering from tooth pain, do not delay. Not getting a root canal when you need one could be extremely dangerous. An infection may spread to your jawbone or other parts of your mouth.
You will be given an anesthetic during your root canal treatment, so the treatment in itself should not be painful-you should not feel anything. The treatment will focus on preserving your natural teeth. The pulp is removed and your tooth will be resealed with a crown. This treatment is extremely effective and in the majority of cases will present a permanent solution to the problem.
Gum Disease (Periodontics). Gum disease is another common problem that only a dentist can help you get better from. Why do people get gum disease?Our mouths have a lot of bacteria. Combined with mucus, the bacteria will form a colorless, sticky plaque on your teeth. When you brush and floss, you remove this plaque. But when the plaque is not removed, it will harden. Even brushing your teeth will not get rid of it. The professional cleaning of a dentist is necessary to remove this from your teeth. If this condition (gingivitis) does not improve, it can advance to become periodontitis, or gum disease.
Periodontitis, meaning ¨inflammation around the tooth,¨describes what happens when gums recede from the teeth. They form pockets that become infected. The immune system fights that bacteria but the plaque can spread beneath the gum line. If the toxins build up and the infection continues to grow, the tissues, gum, and bone around the teeth may be destroyed. The teeth may also become loose and require removal. This makes it extremely important that if you are experiencing itchiness or pain in the gums, you go to a dentist immediately. Prevention is much better than after-care!