What is a Root Canal?
Root canals are a dental procedure that relieves pain caused by an abscessed or infected tooth. A root canal is recommended when the pulp is inflamed due to oral bacteria invading it. This usually occurs when a cavity is left untreated for an excessive amount of time or a tooth is cracked or damaged due to trauma occurring. It isn’t uncommon for people to be unaware that they have a tooth infection, though if symptoms arise there are signs a root canal is needed:
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen gums
- Pimple or boil on the gums
- A swollen jaw
- Tooth pain that doesn't go away, especially if a deep pain that radiates to your jaw, face, or other teeth
- Tooth discoloration, such as a darkened tooth
Benefits of Having Root Canals Performed
Beyond treating an infected tooth, there are several benefits to a root canal being performed, such as:
- Preventing the infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Ease the symptoms of an infected tooth.
- Reduce the risk of damage to the jawbone.
- Saving the natural tooth and preventing a tooth extraction from being needed.
Contact Our Southbury Dentistry Today!
Get relief from your tooth pain with a root canal from our dental experts. Contact our Soutbury dentistry and schedule an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Root Canal Treatment
Before the root canal procedure, your dentist will take dental X-rays of the tooth needing a root canal. This will help them see the extent of the damage and ensure that a root canal is the best treatment option for you. The procedure itself consists of:
- Anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and surrounding gums.
- A dental dam is placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it dry during the procedure.
- An access hole is made in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp
- Using small dental instruments, the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues are removed from inside the tooth
- After the pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
- The empty canals are filled with a flexible and rubbery dental material called gutta-percha
- The tooth is then sealed with a temporary dental filling to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
- A dental crown will likely be placed to protect the tooth and restore your bite. In the weeks following a permanent crown is placed and the temporary one removed.
Following the procedure, your teeth will be noticeably sensitive for the first few days, but significant pain shouldn’t be felt. Most people find immediate relief following the treatment, if you feel throbbing pain after a root canal procedure then contact your dentist right away.
