Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or cracked tooth. The treatment involves removing the pulp (the nerves) of the tooth, and cleaning the infected area. A tooth's pulp is not important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has fully emerged from the gums. If the treatment is not performed, pus builds up at the root tip and the infection of the pulp can spread to the surrounding bone. This results in pain and swelling, and your tooth may have to be removed.
What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the crown of the tooth.. Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned. After the root canal and pulp chamber are disinfected, a sealing material is placed in the root canal to keep in clean. Often, a temporary filling is placed in the pulp chamber opening until the tooth can be fully restored. Frequently, if a back tooth receives root canal therapy, it will be necessary for a crown to be placed to restrengthen the tooth.
Root canal therapy has a high rate of success and many teeth undergoing the procedure can be saved to last a lifetime. Additionally, the crown or filling placed after the completion of the procedure makes it hard to notice by others that you had the treatment.
What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
- Severe tooth pain while chewing
- Your tooth pain wakes you up at night
- Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot or cold, with the sensitivity lingering for over 30 seconds.
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swollen gums in the area of the infected tooth
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the crown of the tooth.. Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned. After the root canal and pulp chamber are disinfected, a sealing material is placed in the root canal to keep in clean. Often, a temporary filling is placed in the pulp chamber opening until the tooth can be fully restored. Frequently, if a back tooth receives root canal therapy, it will be necessary for a crown to be placed to restrengthen the tooth.
Root canal therapy has a high rate of success and many teeth undergoing the procedure can be saved to last a lifetime. Additionally, the crown or filling placed after the completion of the procedure makes it hard to notice by others that you had the treatment.
