The Skinny of a Root Canal Infection
The dental pulp itself is the prime tooth root that is responsible for the pain and suffering behind the thoughts of getting a root canal infection. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When an infection sets up in these structures by being bombarded with oral bacteria, the result is a root canal infection.
The prime function of the dental pulp is to keep the tooth structure well hydrated and resilient so the tooth will not break. The entire length of the dental pulp nerve starts at the premolars and runs the entirety of the first upper premolars. Injuries to the dental pulp are usually from decaying matter which deepens in the tooth structure. This decay will run so deep that it will actually touch the nerve and cause it to become irritated.
Ischemia
Inflammation of the nerve can also be caused by the trauma of dentists making multiple assaults on the nerve to eliminate the area of decay. Some warning signs of a root canal infection are deep stabbing pain, inflammation of the gum and jaw, and a red, warm observation. A common condition in a root canal infection is Ischemia. This condition occurs when the nerve swells so tight the inside of the dental pulp chamber losses oxygen supply to the blood vessel and nutrients are prevented from entering.
Pain and inflammation still sometimes occur even when the tooth itself has been removed. The reasoning behind this chronic condition is because the main cell bodies of the nerves themselves live outside of the teeth. Even when the tooth itself is no longer there, phantom pain is still occurring.
The bare nerve fibers are damaged and infected, but alive incased in a somewhat of a hard tomb with a bunch of infected dead cells and such. Out of the tip of the root, a pus sac forms filling up with pressurized pus. This, in turn, causes extreme pain when the tooth has pressure applied to it. This is still a serious condition and will require immediate medical attention.
Treatment Options for a Root Canal Infection
Throughout history, dealing with a root canal has never been a pleasant experience. In the days before antibiotics and modern surgery, dental abscess was a common cause of death. In these days, the only treatment for these infections was extraction of the offending tooth. This was usually done with an instrument such as the Pelican, without anesthesia, usually just a glass or two of whiskey if the patient could afford it, and by ripping the tooth out as fast as humanly possible.
This usually resulted in breaking off the tooth. Today they use a root canal to repair the damage nerve and fix the tooth to relieve the pain. Extraction is still a viable option for relieving an abscess and is less expensive than getting a root canal done. They also prescribe antibiotics to deal with the treatment of an abscess.
Two Fatal Conditions Resulting from a Root Canal Infection
Ludwig's Angina results from an abscess of the lower teeth and severe swelling under the tongue, chin and neck. It was the most common form of death among wealthy upper class that consumed large amounts of sugar.
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis results from an abscess of the upper teeth and a dangerous brain infection due to brain abscess from upper teeth.
Common Symptoms Experienced during a Root Canal Infection
Blinding Pain, ischemia, pus sac formation and chronic pain are just some of the symptoms experienced during this procedure.
