It is unfortunate that sometimes our teeth decay to the point that the root can never be saved. The good news is that our teeth can survive even after nerve eradication. Traditionally, teeth with compromised pulp were extracted. However, with the help of new technologies, dentists now have a safe solution to save your teeth and maintain your natural smile.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that involves removing a tooth with dead or infected pulp, disinfecting, and sealing the root canal to prevent the spread of infection or damage. The tooth will next be strengthened by a crown. Pulp tissue provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it is found inside each tooth. Pulp tissue can die if it is damaged or diseased; Causes can be a repetitive dental procedure on a tooth, deep decay, or traumatic injury. Gum disease can also cause root canal problems as a result of root canal treatment of damaged pulp tissue.
What Are The Symptoms of Damaged Pulp Tissue?
The symptoms vary differently from one individual to another. However, the most common symptoms of a damaged or injured pulp include:
- Hypersensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold food and drinks.
- Pain when chewing or biting.
- Tenderness in the lymph nodes.
- Discolored tooth.
- Facial swelling.
Such sensations could also be signals of other issues with your oral health. They might not always need a root canal. However, there may be cases where no symptoms have been observed and the infection can only be detected during regular visits to the dentist.
Why Is Treatment Necessary?
The tooth simply cannot heal naturally, so if left untreated, the infection can cause severe pain, the formation of an abscess in the root of the tooth, and deterioration of the underlying bone tissue. Excessive delay in treatment can make it difficult for the dentist to save the tooth. This can cause the infection to spread to nearby teeth and potentially lead to swelling of the face and neck, fever, illness, and even blood poisoning.
What Is The Root Canal Procedure?
The root canal procedure is usually simple with little to no discomfort. The following is a step-by-step guide on how the procedure is performed:
- The pulp chamber is accessed by a hole cut into the crown of the tooth.
- The dead or damaged pulp is removed and the root canal is irrigated and bandaged.
- A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the tooth or left open to drain for a few days.
- The temporary filling is removed, then the pulp chamber and root canal are cleaned and filled.
- Finally, placement of the crown on the tooth.
During the root canal procedure, our dental surgeon at Shah’s Dental Serenity ensures that the root canal is properly cleaned and disinfected and that any infection removed from around the tooth and canal is removed. This prevents reinfection of the tooth.
Do I Require An Endodontist To Complete My Root Canal procedure?
An endodontist is one who specializes in root canal treatment; however, all dentists are trained to perform this treatment. An endodontist is only recommended for patients with rare or extraordinary situations. A root canal can also be taken care of by a dentist with a smile. At Shah’s Dental Serenity, we are well-equipped with all the dental specialists to ensure that our patients receive high-quality dental services. Make an appointment with us to begin the journey toward restoring that beautiful smile with a root canal procedure.
