Root Canals
What is Root Canal Therapy?
When decay is extensive, teeth can become infected. The infection may reach the nerve that runs through the tooth, within the pulp. When this happens, a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
- Swelling or pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Bad taste in the mouth
Sometimes an infected tooth shows no symptoms, however, it’s essential that you be checked regularly.
Inside of your tooth is a chamber through which nerves and veins run. If no root canal is performed, you may lose the tooth completely, creating the need for replacement teeth and considerably increasing the cost of your treatment. A root canal removes the infected nerves and flushes the canal through which they run, allowing you to keep your tooth if treatment goes well.
What causes a tooth nerve infection?
When cavities go untreated, the decay can cause bacteria to infiltrate the chamber where your pulp is housed. Eventually, the pulp dies from the infection, and the byproducts of this infection can cause abscesses to form at the tip of the tooth root. Pulp can also die from a dental injury, having the same effect. Whereas previously infected teeth had to be extracted, a root canal can now help you keep your teeth for years to come.
Steps Involved in Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy generally takes three basic steps:
- We remove the infection so that healing can begin.
- Then we place a post, which strengthens the tooth.
- Finally, we place a crown over the tooth to provide protection.
Of course, your comfort is top priority, so we will make sure to numb the area thoroughly before beginning the root canal therapy procedure. Dr. Patel will place a rubber dam so that the area is isolated, keeping debris from falling into your throat and keeping the tooth dry. This helps the procedure go smoothly.
Dr. Patel will create an opening through the top of the tooth, making the pulp chamber accessible. He will then clean out infected pulp tissue and the canal. Radiographs help us make sure that we’ve removed all of the infected tissue.
If a post is needed to strengthen the tooth, it will be placed inside the root canal.
Then we make a crown. This crown provides protection, prevents breaking, and restores your smile and oral structure for better function.
You will most likely experience greater tooth sensitivity after the procedure; however, this will diminish quickly as healing occurs.
We will provide you with post-operative care instructions and have you come for checkups regularly to check on your progress. Don’t forget: Good oral hygiene habits at home will help your root canal treatment be successful.
Is a Crown Needed After Root Canal Therapy?
Your tooth will be weak after root canal therapy. We remove a part of the tooth to access the infected pulp, leaving only the sides of the tooth. Dehydration of the tooth caused by the lack of blood flow will cause the tooth to become brittle.
Once a tooth has broken, repairing it is difficult. That’s why Dr. Patel recommends a crown be placed to cover and protect a tooth after root canal therapy.
Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
When decay has caused infection in the pulp that runs through your tooth, you have few choices for treatment.
Delaying treatment ensures that your tooth will never heal, and the problem will only grow and possibly spread. The infection could spread down to your jawbone, causing intense pain and eventually possibly causing you to go to the hospital or threatening your life.
Extraction is an option, but it doesn’t combat the infection that caused the problem in the first place. In addition, missing teeth cause further problems with your oral structure and function.
The reality is that a root canal is the best possible treatment for infected pulp, preventing further complications and dangers down the road.
End the pain of infection. Contact Aliso Smiles today for your consultation with Dr. Sajit Patel.