Root Canal When the soft center part of a tooth, also known as the pulp, is injured or damaged, a root canal treatment may be the solution. The pulp contains blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves that are essential for the health of the tooth. Damage to the pulp may arise from cracking of the tooth, decay of the tooth, or a routine dental procedure done on a similar tooth. A person with a damaged pulp experiences sensitivity and swollen gums. The individual may also experience deep decay. If you are having severe sensitivity, our dental team at 253 Dental Care can offer treatment. We will first perform an examination to determine the extent of the pulp damage. When is a Root Canal Done?A root canal is performed when the inner part of a tooth known as the pulp is injured or infected. The removal of the pulp provides a viable solution to preserve the structure of the tooth. A root canal is preferred if the tooth is not heavily damaged. You will need to go in for the procedure once you start feeling pain or having severe sensitivity, especially when you drink something hot or cold. If the gums are swelling and the pain is excruciating, you need to make an appointment with our dentist. With a root canal, although the pulp has been damaged or it is dead, the upper structure of your tooth is still in good form and intact. Removing the injured, damaged, or dead pulp helps retain your tooth. The ProcedureWhen you visit our dental office for a root canal procedure, our dental team will examine the affected area. The dentist cleans the teeth and gums before administering anesthesia. The dentist then drills a hole to access the damaged dental pulp. He or she removes the pulp and the roots if they are affected too. The root of the tooth serves to provide sensations for things like hot and cold substances. It is also used for the growth of teeth. In adults when teeth are fully developed, removing the roots may not cause direct harm to the teeth. It may also help prevent the spreading of infections like gum disease. If we find it necessary to remove the root along with the dental pulp, we do it to protect the other areas of the teeth as well as the gums, and the jawbone. Our dentist will clean the areas to make sure that the infection is eradicated. He or she will shape the canal and fill the hole. You will be given an antibiotic to get rid of any infections. The procedure takes only about 30 to 60 minutes based on the severity of the damage and the amount of work needed. It is a painless procedure that will leave you comfortable thereafter because we use anesthesia to numb the area. AftercareOnce you have had the root canal procedure, we allow you to go home where you will continue recovering. You will need to take the antibiotics we prescribe to ensure there is no recurring infection. After you heal, you will come to our office so that we fit a crown. We recommend a crown if you had a pulp removal for teeth at the back of your mouth or if you had serious tooth decay. The crown will protect the area and prevent the risk of debris and bacteria getting into the tooth. Make sure you continue with your usual oral care routine by brushing and flossing as required. Visit our dental office at 253 Dental Care. If you have tooth sensitivity our team will determine if a root canal is suitable for you, or if you need a different dental treatment. Call us at (253) 838-9333 for a consultation. |
