Dental Travel
Today I traveled from Makati to my home province, Laguna for an dental appointment. It's not a very long trip to home. It just took me an hour to go Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Though the travel was a bit rainy, the traffic was normal.
Here's my view during the drive:
So I arrived at Sta. Rosa after an hour at the rain poured hard.
So why would I travel THIS far for a dental appointment? Well, 1) I'll be going our family dentist which makes me more comfortable, to think that the said procedure would be "challenging" 2) Discount; dentists here in Makati would be a bir costly than going to a family dentist in the province.
Basically, I went there for one thing... I need to have a Root Canal procedure to two of my molars. OUCH. I know. The thought of it makes me cringe in fear. But I really chose to be brave for this one, because the pain is already killing me even before the procedure.
It really pays to take care of your teeth.
Root Canal
So what is a Root Canal surgery?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
"Root canal" is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth's nerve lies within the root canal.
Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
When a tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth.
What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal include:
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
So I felt everything that is listed here. And I decided to finally undergo this surgery. SCARY. But then, I strengthened myself and faced all my "dental" fears. I am a Brave Girl!
The dark part are damaged part of the tooth and the dark spot below the tooth is the infection. So sad.
Here are my X-Ray results for my left and right troubled teeth.
The dark part are damaged part of the tooth and the dark spot below the tooth is the infection. So sad.
Pardon my tired eyes and blemishes. Spell STRESS.
I got really tired after that procedure. My dentist just did one tooth with 3 canals. I need to come back next week for the other one. It was PAINFUL and she needed to put anesthetics for the pain. Adding up to the pain was the infection that started to build up due to my delays on taking this surgery. It costs me so much pain. But everything was made bearable and my dentist was so kind and gentle that she even allows me to "rest" in between procedures for less STRESS. ;) I am happy we have her as our dentist.
So if you have been experiencing pain in your gums or tooth, go to the dentist RIGHT AWAY. And do whatever needs to be done. These are the things that should be acted on immediately.
Do not underestimate the trouble caused by damaged teeth. Love them and take care of them.
Eating is a lot more satisfying with healthy teeth and gums. ;)
Beauty runs deep.
Healthy Tooth. Healthy Life.
Worthy Smile Dental Clinic
2/f Unit B PCC Bldg, Brgy Don Jose Tagaytay Rd (Paseo De Sta Rosa)Sta Rosa City, Laguna
Dra. Aspher Hernandez
0917-544-1065
