What Is A Root Canal?
A visit to your dentist may reveal that you need a root canal, otherwise known as an endodontic treatment. Although you may have heard of this before, you should know more about exactly what it is, and what your procedure will consist of.
When Is A Root Canal Necessary?
A root canal will be needed if your tooth has decayed to the point where there is inflammation of the soft tissue deep within your tooth. This soft tissue is known as pulp. Blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue are located within this pulp, and help create the surrounding hard tissue. This pulp can become infected from deep decay, a crack in the tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the tooth. This infection can cause pain, or cause the development of an abscess.
How Do You Know If You Need A Root Canal?
Visiting your dentist is the only way to confirm if you’ll need root canal treatment. However, there are a few signs to look for that may convince you to visit your dentist. If you are experiencing pain in any tooth, have prolonged sensitivity to hear or cold, or experience any weird sensations from touch or chewing, a root canal may be in store for you. Any tenderness in your bone, gums, or lymph nodes may be a sign of an infection of your tooth’s soft tissues.
The Procedure
Your dentist will remove the infected pulp, and thoroughly clean the area. He will also reshape the root canal. Once complete, your dentist will fill the empty space in the canal, and the seal that area. After this has set, your dentist will place a crown on top of the tooth, which will protect the canal and restore it to a fully functioning tooth. With modern anesthetics, you should be comfortable during the procedure. You will not be able to feel much of the procedure, if at all.
Until the tooth is fully restored, you will not be able to bite or chew with the treated tooth. When your tooth is not yet restored, it is vulnerable to fracturing. You should practice good hygiene habits to ensure that your mouth stays clean and your new tooth will not become infected again.
Think You May Need A Root Canal?
Our team at the Community Dental Group are experts at performing root canals. We can relieve the pain you’ve been feeling, and restore your tooth to a healthy state in no time.