What are the Most Common Root Canal Causes? Answers from Your Surrey BC Dentist
A root canal is a type of dental procedure that involves the removal of damaged tissue inside a tooth. Your Surrey BC dentist will recommend a root canal to save a tooth rather than extract it and replace it. In dentistry, the priority is to save and restore a tooth before extraction is recommended as a last resort.
During a root canal procedure, your Surrey BC dentist will remove the infected and damaged material, clean the interior of the tooth, and then fill and seal it to prevent future infection. A crown (a tooth-shaped cap) may also be placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its appearance.
If you’ve been told that you need treatment with a root canal, you might wonder what led you to this point. Even if your teeth are healthy today, knowing the most common root canal causes can help you to protect your teeth.
Whatever your current situation, these are the root canal causes that you should know about.
The 5 Most Common Causes of Root Canal Treatment
The most common root canal causes fall into five major categories. The infected and damaged pulp is usually caused by decay, but this itself can stem from other underlying factors.
- 1. Tooth Decay: Deep tooth decay is by far the most common of all root canal causes. Decay is progressive and it can start small with small imperfections in the teeth known as caries. As the outside layer of a tooth breaks down, the softer layers within can become damaged and eventually infected. When this decay and infection reaches deep into the root of a tooth, a root canal procedure with your Surrey BC dentist can help to correct the issue.
- 2. Trauma: A tooth injury, known as trauma, can lead to damage and infection of the tooth pulp. The trauma could be something minor like a chip on the enamel, or something more severe like a fracture that progresses along the tooth. As with common tooth decay, trauma can expose the softer tissue underneath the tooth enamel, leading to progressive infection and decay.
- 3. Dental Procedures: Sometimes the dental procedures intended to improve teeth can cause damage to the enamel and lead to infection and degradation of the pulp. Repeated procedures like fillings, placement of veneers, and dental bonding can increase the risk of needing root canal treatment in the future.
- 4. Large Fillings: Large and deep fillings are common root canal causes. Fillings aim to replace decayed, damaged, and infected areas of a tooth. Fillings are often successful, but they are not a perfect solution. Without maintenance, or if fillings fail, the pulp can become infected and inflamed. Larger fillings are more likely to lead to a root canal in the future.
- 5. Gum Disease: Even early-stage gum disease can be a precursor to root canal treatment. When the tissue surrounding teeth starts to break down, there’s a higher risk of cavities and damage to teeth, which increases the risk of an infection in the pulp. Gum disease should be detected and treated early to minimize the risk of needing root canal treatment.
The common root canal causes can’t always be avoided. The best way to prevent deep decay and damage in the tooth is to follow a strict hygiene routine, and schedule checkups with your Surrey BC dentist every six months.
How Long Does It Take for Root Canal Recovery?
Root canal treatment is pain-free thanks to the use of a long-lasting local anesthetic during treatment. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to improve comfort during root canal recovery.
A root canal treatment effectively removes the organic material from the inside of the tooth to replace it with synthetic material, strengthening and restoring the tooth. The tooth can be sealed with a filling, although, in some cases, a replacement crown will be needed to restore the look and function of the tooth.
It’s an invasive procedure so root canal recovery can take some time, but it’s generally quite comfortable. There are plenty of exaggerated stories about root canal recovery but these generally don’t reflect the average treatment.
Our team performs the most advanced root canal therapy with microscope technology.
Root canal recovery only takes a few days. Most patients return to normal activities within the first two days. There is no severe pain and complications are rare during root canal recovery. A soft food diet is often recommended to ensure that the treatment site has plenty of time to heal.
Root Canal Cost in BC
The root canal cost in BC can range from as low as $300 for a simple procedure up to $2,000 for a more complicated case. Take these examples of root canal cost in BC with a grain of salt, because every case varies. The best way to learn the root canal cost in BC is to schedule an appointment with your surrey BC dentist. Part or all of the root canal cost in BC may be covered by your insurance, depending on your policy.
Want to have the healthiest smile? If you need root canal treatment, a checkup, or treatment for any of your dental concerns, you can book a consultation with your Surrey BC dentist today.