Why a Root Canal May Be Necessary
When decay or infection affect the nerve of a tooth, a root canal becomes necessary. We remove the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay to save the tooth, then fill the resulting space with special, medicated dental materials to restore the tooth to its full function.
Benefits of Choosing Root Canal Treatment
The preferred treatment for saving a tooth that would otherwise die and require removal is a root canal. Many patients mistakenly think that extracting a problematic tooth is the solution, not realizing that it will ultimately result in higher costs and significant issues for neighboring teeth.
Although a tooth may occasionally require retreatment due to new infections, root canal treatment is highly successful and typically lasts a lifetime.
The signs and symptoms of possible root canal therapy are as follows:
- There is an abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Sometimes no symptoms are present.
- Swelling and/or tenderness.
To learn about the services we provide, visit our services page and learn more about our expert team at Largo Smiles Dental Center.
Reasons for root canal therapy:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth.
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.