A root canal is a treatment used to relieve inflamed or infected tooth pulp. The procedure involves creating an opening in the crown of a natural tooth and removing the infected nerves, blood vessels, and pulp.
A root canal is recommended when a tooth shows signs of infection, like pain or sensitivity that doesn’t go away. Saving a natural tooth is always preferred over replacing it with an implant. Experts from boca Dental And Braces will help you deal with your dental concerns.
Prevents Tooth Loss
When the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed, damaged, or infected, root canal therapy can relieve the pain and infection by removing the infected material from the center of the tooth. It also saves the natural tooth, preventing the need for removal and replacement with an artificial one. Moreover, treating the infection at its source prevents it from spreading to other parts of the mouth or body, further protecting your overall oral health.
Root canal treatment may sound intimidating, but it’s not as painful as you might think. Modern dentistry techniques, sterilization methods, and anesthesia keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. If you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
Some patients experience discomfort after root canal treatment, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. In addition, chewing on the treated tooth should be avoided as it puts undue pressure on the temporary filling or crown. Attending follow-up appointments allows your dentist to ensure the restoration has properly healed and is sturdy enough for normal biting and chewing function.
A root canal is necessary when a bacterial infection damages the nerve tissue in your tooth’s inner chamber, called the pulp. This typically happens when a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity that exposes the pulp to bacteria. It can also occur after a physical trauma such as an accident or sports injury.
Infections of the pulp can be very serious and even fatal, especially if left untreated. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or a pus-filled pocket (abscess) at the tip of your root or along the gumline, contact your dentist immediately.
Preserves Jawbone Structure
Root canal treatment is not as painful as most patients assume, and it is a far better option than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an artificial one. While there are instances where tooth extraction or replacement is necessary due to severe trauma or decay, preserving the natural teeth whenever possible is always preferable.
What Is A Root Canal?
A tooth is made of a crown that is situated above the gums, and a root that connects to the jawbone. In between the crown and root, there is a hollow section that contains blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells. This is also known as the pulp, which nourishes the tooth and enables it to sense hot or cold temperatures. It also protects the teeth from infection.
If the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a cracked or faulty crown, or injury, it can lead to pain and other health complications. A successful root canal treatment eliminates the infection and prevents it from spreading to other areas of the mouth or body.
When performing a root canal, our dentist will first create an opening in the tooth to gain access to the inner pulp. They will then thoroughly clean and sterilize the tooth and its surrounding material, before filling it with gutta-percha — a rubber-like substance that is used as an industry standard for root canals.
The treated tooth may feel sensitive after the numbness wears off, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can be used to alleviate discomfort. However, it is important to avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth and stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine, to promote healing.
Prevents Periodontal Disease
When you don’t properly take care of your teeth, periodontal disease (gum inflammation and infection) may develop. This is a leading cause of tooth loss. You can prevent it by practicing good oral hygiene, including daily flossing and regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You also need to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
You can further reduce your risk of gum disease by eliminating high-risk habits like smoking and eating a balanced diet that’s low in sugar. If you notice red, swollen, or painful gums, contact our office for treatment right away.
Root canal therapy has a bad reputation, but it is safe and effective. You may experience some discomfort or pain afterward, but this can be controlled with over-the-counter medications. In most cases, the procedure is over in a single visit thanks to advances in technology and anesthesia.
Your provider will start by administering a local anesthetic, and then he or she will use a specialized tool to make a hole in the affected tooth. Then, the infected pulp is removed with a special set of tools and thoroughly cleaned out using a rubbery material called gutta-percha. Once the tooth is completely clean, a dental crown is placed over it to protect it and restore its function, appearance, and bite.
With proper care and routine visits to your dentist, a treated tooth can last for the rest of your life. We recommend brushing twice a day flossing at least once a day, and visiting us for your bi-annual professional cleanings and exams. We can X-ray your teeth and look for signs of a developing problem, so you don’t end up with a more serious issue down the road.
Prevents Bite Issues
Many patients are apprehensive about receiving a root canal, but this procedure can save severely decayed and infected teeth without the need for extraction. It can also prevent the spread of infection and alleviate pain, making it a valuable dental treatment.
A root canal is necessary when the inside of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, usually due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a compromised tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth that exposes the pulp to bacteria. If left untreated, a root canal infection can lead to severe tooth decay and tooth loss that could threaten the structure of the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
To perform a root canal, the dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp. Using specialized tools, the dentist removes the infected tooth pulp and thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inner canals to eliminate any remaining bacteria. Then, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material such as gutta-percha and sealed to prevent future infections.
Afterward, the tooth is restored with a dental filling or crown to return to full function and appearance. It’s important to choose a dentist who has extensive experience performing root canals and who is qualified in endodontics, the branch of dentistry focused on treating dental pulp.
Some sensitivity and tenderness may occur after a root canal, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. It’s also important to maintain a commitment to oral hygiene and schedule routine dental checkups to ensure the health of your treated tooth. With regular care and proper treatment, you can expect to enjoy the benefits of a root canal for years to come.
Prevents Infections
An infected tooth may cause discomfort, pain, and swollen gums. Infections can also spread from the affected tooth to nearby teeth. The bacteria that accumulate in the infected pulp can lead to a painful dental abscess.
The root canal procedure eliminates the infected pulp, preventing tooth infection and relieving your pain. It also improves your overall oral health by eliminating the bacteria that would otherwise contaminate other areas of your mouth and contribute to more serious health problems.
When a root canal is required, it’s typically the result of deep decay that causes the tooth’s inner structure to become inflamed or infected. This can be caused by repeated dental procedures, a crack or chip in the tooth, trauma to the face or neck, or even poor nutrition that depletes the body of vital nutrients.
A root canal removes the infected nerves and blood vessels from the inside of a tooth, cleaning and disinfecting each canal as they go. Once all of the canals have been cleaned and filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, the tooth’s opening is sealed to prevent bacteria from returning.
Once the root canal is completed, we can restore the tooth with a dental filling or crown. A crown is a durable covering that strengthens and protects the tooth, ensuring its long-term function. Our team will customize your restoration to ensure that it blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
The most important way to prevent root canals is to follow a proper oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular professional dental cleanings to remove hardened plaque. Limiting sugary snacks and beverages can help prevent tooth decay, as well. Wearing mouthguards during sports can reduce the risk of injury-induced tooth damage. Regular dental checkups can also detect early signs of decay and infection.