Everything You Need To Know About Your Root Canal Treatment

If your dentist has suggested that you need a root canal, the chances are that you’re already experiencing the symptoms of an infected tooth. These could range from severe and persistent tooth pain to sensitivity, abscess, or a loose tooth. Thanks to a root canal, your dentist can save an infected tooth.

Typically, a root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure completed in a single appointment. It eliminates the infection and restores your tooth’s health.

If the tooth is severely infected and doesn’t respond to a root canal, the only option is to extract it to prevent the infection from spreading to the nearby teeth, gums, or bone. To know whether you can benefit from a root canal, you should visit a dentist or endodontist near you for a dental exam. The dentist will inspect your teeth and mouth to determine the problem and appropriate solution. If you’re a good candidate for a root canal, this article highlights what to expect from the treatment.

Why a Root Canal and What Does it Do?

A root canal is the hollow part of the tooth that houses the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. The word root canal means “inside the tooth.” However, this endodontic procedure removes the infected or dead tissues from a tooth’s pulp.

Root canal treatment happens when the tooth’s nerves and other pulp tissues are inflamed or infected. These result from severe cavities, large fillings, and tooth cracks or chips. The decay or infection can eat away the entire tooth or infect the nearby teeth, gums, and bone.

After the root canal treatment, the tooth is typically dead. While you can’t feel anything, the tooth structure is in place. On the downside, removing the pulp tissue makes the tooth fragile, making it susceptible to damage such as cracks. A crown covers and fills the tooth.

Root Canal Procedure

An endodontist or a general dentist does a root canal treatment with root canal therapy practice. Typically, the procedure entails:

• Removing the dead or infected pulp

The dentist numbs the area around the infected tooth with a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort during the treatment. Next, the dentist places a rubber dam around the tooth to dry the area. The dentist then drills through the tooth to access the tooth’s center. They remove the bacteria, the infected tissues, and nerves from the pulp. The hollow part is cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected to prevent re-infection.

• Sealing the tooth

After cleaning, the dentist seals the tooth to prevent further damage and infection. The dentist will use a rubber compound to close the canals if the root is ready for closure.

• Filling and adding a crown

Next, the dentist will add filling materials in the hollow areas. A crown strengthens the tooth and prevents re-infection. If the tooth is still weak, the dentist might recommend placing a dental crown for added strength, improved appearance, and protection.

What a Root Canal Treatment Prevents

Generally, a root canal is beneficial in numerous ways. For instance, it prevents:

• Tooth loss

The key benefit of a root canal is to save an infected tooth. The infection can spread to the tooth’s roots and other parts, eventually losing teeth if not removed.

• Severe discomfort

Severe tooth pain, sensitivity, sore gums, and abscess are some of the most common symptoms of an infected tooth. A root canal treatment removes the infected tissues of the tooth, consequently eliminating all the associated symptoms or discomfort.

• Stops the infection from spreading

Another benefit of root canal therapy is that it stops and eliminates bacterial infections. If not addressed, the infection can spread to surrounding gum tissues, teeth, and underlying jawbone. The symptoms that follow could be detrimental.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you have an infected tooth? Eliminate the infection today and save your tooth through a root canal treatment. For more details about root canal therapy, contact Newburyport Family Dental.