Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment – Root canal therapy is a treatment performed to save a natural tooth that is badly damaged or infected. Teeth have three layers – enamel, dentin and pulp. At the very center, the pulp is the living part of the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. Large cavities, traumatic injuries to the teeth, or deep fillings can cause the pulp to become infected or inflamed. This may cause symptoms such as :
- A dull, throbbing pain which may be exacerbated by hot or cold temperatures, or by chewing and biting – a toothache that wakes you up at night
- A swelling along the gums which may express blood or pus
- Radiating pain that begins in one tooth and spreads to other regions of the jaw, head or ear.
Root canal therapy may require more than one visit. The beginning of the procedure resembles a dental filling. The dentist will ensure that you are profoundly numb and comfortable, then they will open the tooth to expose the infected pulpal tissue. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, removing all of the blood vessels and nerves from the pulp chamber and canals. A medicine is placed inside the tooth and sealed for several weeks while the tooth and bone heal. Next, the inside of the tooth is filled with a bio-compatible rubber, and a dental filling is placed on the tooth to thoroughly seal it from the root to the biting surface. Because many root canals are needed due to large cavities, most teeth undergoing root canal treatment will require a crown to provide added strength and prevent the tooth from fracturing.
If you have any signs or symptoms of needing a root canal, please contact our office immediately to schedule emergency care.