Everything To Know About Root Canals
One of the more common problems noticed in family density is cavities left untreated. Oral health is an important part of physical health, but many people have anxiety over going to the dentist, leading to serious conditions of tooth decay or gum disease. Root canals are often used to address the buildup of bacteria inside the pulp of the tooth.
The Need for a Root Canal Treatment
Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure can help save a cracked, severely injured or decayed tooth that is infected or inflamed. The tooth becomes infected with bacteria that made their way through the decay or damage to the soft tissue on the inside of the tooth. As the bacteria takes root, it can lead to a severe infection called a tooth abscess. Signs of an infection include:
- Constant pain
- Loose teeth
- Swollen gums
- Extreme sensitivity
- Pus around the tooth
- Foul taste in the mouth
When the infection is severe, tooth pain can be debilitating. It can hurt to eat or speak, and often the glands in the neck become swollen and cause facial pain. The infection can also lead you to feel run down or lethargic.
Everything To Know About Root Canals
One of the more common problems noticed in family density is cavities left untreated. Oral health is an important part of physical health, but many people have anxiety over going to the dentist, leading to serious conditions of tooth decay or gum disease. Root canals are often used to address the buildup of bacteria inside the pulp of the tooth.
The Need for a Root Canal Treatment
Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure can help save a cracked, severely injured or decayed tooth that is infected or inflamed. The tooth becomes infected with bacteria that made their way through the decay or damage to the soft tissue on the inside of the tooth. As the bacteria takes root, it can lead to a severe infection called a tooth abscess. Signs of an infection include:
- Constant pain
- Loose teeth
- Swollen gums
- Extreme sensitivity
- Pus around the tooth
- Foul taste in the mouth
When the infection is severe, tooth pain can be debilitating. It can hurt to eat or speak, and often the glands in the neck become swollen and cause facial pain. The infection can also lead you to feel run down or lethargic.
The Benefits of Root Canal Procedures
Root canals are important for saving the function and form of the infected tooth. With this procedure, the endodontist or root canal specialist can prevent total loss of the tooth as well as keep the infection from spreading to neighboring teeth. Saving the tooth can prevent degeneration in the jawbone and maintain the aesthetics of the teeth. Removing the infection and healing the tooth will also boost both oral and overall health.
The Process of a Root Canal
The dental work involving a root canal typically takes two appointments, though it depends on the severity of the infection. The endodontist will use a digital x-ray to get a better picture of what is going on, then examine the teeth, gums and supporting jawbone. A local anesthetic will be applied to both the infected tooth and the surrounding area. During the treatment, any diseased pulp and the nerve of the tooth are removed from a small hole made in the top of the tooth.
The chamber holding the pulp is cleaned, medicated and sealed. A temporary seal is put in place until you meet back with your general dentist for a more permanent seal, such a dental crown or other restorative solution placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
The Help of an Endodontist
A root canal is done by an endodontist. This is a qualified dentist who has completed two extra years of education and highly specialized training in the treatment and care of the inner parts of the tooth and tooth pulp. Your family dentist may refer you to an endodontist to perform this dental procedure, but the two will work together closely to improve your oral health. If the patient maintains good oral hygiene, the restored tooth could last a lifetime.
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