Restoring Damaged & Decayed Teeth
If your tooth sustains damage or decay, it can lead to bacteria entering the soft tissue within the tooth, known as the pulp. This can result in a serious and painful infection. If left untreated, infections may enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
A root canal is a procedure that is performed to treat infected tooth pulp and restore the health of the tooth. This can help prevent potentially serious complications that can arise from unchecked tooth decay.
While this procedure will involve the removal of important soft tissues, it will not actually have any effect on the health of the tooth itself. After the pulp has been removed, the tissues surrounding the tooth will continue to provide the nourishment that it needs.
Most patients who have root canals experience little discomfort or pain during the procedure. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
It is important to have dental issues treated as soon as possible. If you do not seek treatment, the teeth can become irreparably damaged, resulting in tooth death and/or the need for extractions. One of the main benefits of a root canal is that this procedure can help prevent the need for more invasive and costly treatments in the future.
What to Expect from a Root Canal Procedure
To begin, your dentist will create a small opening in the tooth and carefully clear the inner chamber of all diseased tissue.
Next, they will disinfect the inside of the tooth, including the small canals, and fill it with medicated material to prevent infection.
To finish the procedure, the tooth is generally capped with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown, to strengthen the tooth and protect it against further issues.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
An infected tooth can cause a significant amount of pain and disruption to your everyday life. Contact our dental team today if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness