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When the pulp, or the soft inner tissue of a tooth, becomes infected or dies, root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment as it is also known, is necessary to save the tooth. This happens when the hard outer shell of the tooth, or enamel, has failed. The most common reasons for the pulp of the tooth to become compromised are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or an injury to a tooth. It is generally a comfortable treatment that can save your tooth from extraction and keep your mouth healthy.
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay, are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- The tooth is sensitive to hot or cold
- There is throbbing, severe tooth pain
- The area is swollen and/or tender
- You have a bad taste in your mouth
- Sometimes there are no obvious or noticeable symptoms present. Only regular dental visits and digital x-rays, as well as a detailed clinical examination, can reveal the underlying trauma
Reasons for root canal therapy:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
Suffering Dental Pain? You might need a Root Canal.
Call Tooth Suite Family Dentistry at (780) 875-4312 to
schedule your Root Canal Consultation today!
Tooth Suite Family Dentistry has been proudly serving
Lloydminster for over 20 Years!
Disclaimer
Dr. Marianne Stelmaschuk is a Lloydminster General Dentist. She is not a specialist in Cosmetic or Family Dentistry. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are not specialties recognized by the Alberta Dental Association & College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). She provides Cosmetic and Family Dental procedures such as Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, Invisalign, and Teeth Whitening as part of her General Dentistry license. As a Lloydminster Family Dentist, she provides General Dental procedures for all ages within the family. Dr. Prabhjot Singh is a licensed Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and can offer Oral Maxillofacial specialty services as part of his license.