Why You May Choose Root Canal Therapy
The goal of a root canal procedure is to save your natural tooth when it becomes infected. By removing decay and bacteria from the inner tooth, your dentist can help halt the spread of infection and work to restore the healthy portion of the tooth.
Without this type of procedure, an infected tooth may need to be extracted, leaving gaps in your smile. Missing teeth can cause serious misalignment issues that can make it difficult to clean between teeth and can even cause pain when chewing.
The gaps left by missgin teeth require more extensive dental work such as a bridge, dental implant or denture to fill them. To help you avoid the hassle of replacing missing teeth, your dentist will try to save your tooth with a root canal.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Patients are given anesthesia for this procedure so a root canal shouldn't be any more painful than a regular dental procedure. While most patients experience little discomfort or pain, the tooth may be a bit sore for a few days afterwards so your dentist may suggest an over-the-counter pain medication.
The Root Canal Procedure
Your dentist will start the procedure by creating a small opening in the tooth and removing diseased material (blood vessels, nerves and other tissues) from the interior.
Once the diseased tissue has been removed from the tooth, your dentist will clean and disinfect the inner chamber and fill it with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material, placed with an adhesive cement, is used to seal the tooth.
To finish the procedure, the tooth is generally capped with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown. This helps to fortify the remaining structure of the tooth and preserve its appearance and function for years to come.
If you maintain a proper brushing and flossing routine and attend regular dental exams, your tooth that was treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
There are a number of symptoms associated with oral infections which may require a root canal to resolve. If you are experiencing any of the signs listed below, contact us. Our dental team can diagnose the issue, and determine treatment.
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Feeling like your tooth is loose
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- A chipped or cracked tooth