A root canal is a necessary dental procedure that is needed after bacteria from an infection develops inside the pulp of a tooth from either an injury or a severe cavity. The name is derived from the cleaning of the canals that reside inside the tooth’s root. It is pertinent to get treated as soon as possible to avoid complications such as an abscess, infection, bone loss or swelling that can extend to the face and neck. Many people feel unnecessary anxiety at the thought of having the procedure done. Here is an explanation of the treatment, and what symptoms suggest it is needed.
It is an important procedure performed on a tooth that is either injured or deeply infected to salvage and repair it. A dentist or endodontist will administer a local anesthetic into the gums to numb the mouth. Any infection that is present, as well as the pulp and nerve, are removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly disinfected and cleaned out. Topical antibiotics may be used to prevent reinfection from occurring. The tooth’s canals are filled with gutta-percha, a material that is similar to rubber. A special sealant is then used to fill the opening of the tooth and protect it from any further infection or damage. This sealant is temporary until a permanent filling or crown can be put on.
When a tooth has become diseased or damaged, it needs to be treated as soon as possible. If a root canal is not performed, abscesses and tissue infections from bacteria can occur as well as more serious complications, such as bone loss around the tip of the root and tooth loss. After the treatment, the tooth does lose the ability to feel pressure, temperature and pain, but it is still functional.
The first and most obvious sign is a severe toothache that worsens with applied pressure, such as biting down while eating. However, there are many other signs that indicate a patient needs a root canal. These include a tooth that has darkened, sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures, a fever and gum inflammation that causes redness and swelling. Temperature sensitivity that is not relieved when cold or hot exposure is removed can be indicative of bacteria spreading into the nerves. If there is bacteria and an infection is present, then there may also be signs of an active infection and an abscess on the gum. An x-ray will be able to show when an infection has developed.
A root canal is often feared by patients, but this dental treatment is nothing to be afraid of; it is simple and can usually be done in just a few small visits. After having the infection removed and the tooth filled and sealed, the patient experiences no more pain and will feel back to normal quickly.
Request an appointment here: https://dentalstudiocolleyville.com or call Dental Studio Colleyville at (817) 885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If the root canal of a tooth is infected, you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Endodontic treatment, commonly called root canal therapy, entails repairing a damaged and infected inner layer of the tooth. By performing the treatment, a dentist can save the infected root canals from abscess or extraction.Root canals are…
The most effective way to prevent tooth decay is with preventative dental care. Everyone wants to maintain a healthy white smile for a lifetime. Your smile is your first impression and a great way to show confidence. Keeping that smile can be very easy if you follow a few easy steps.Tooth decay causes gum disease,…
Screening for oral cancer is an important part of preventative dental care. Unfortunately, oral cancer is a disease that is not often talked about. Very few events support oral cancer research and awareness, even though oral cancer takes one life every day in the United States. Many people do not seek or receive treatment until…
Many things go into good preventative dental care. One of the most important is brushing your teeth, but it's not something that people always do correctly. Today, we will talk about brushing your teeth correctly and why it's so crucial in preventative dental care.First, you need to use an actual toothbrush. There are many options…
The most effective way to prevent tooth decay is with preventative dental care. Everyone wants to maintain a healthy white smile for a lifetime. Your smile is your first impression and a great way to show confidence. Keeping that smile can be very easy if you follow a few easy steps.Tooth decay causes gum disease,…
Routine dental checkups often include preventive measures that go beyond cleaning teeth. An example is the oral cancer screening. General dentists recommend these screenings to detect early signs of oral cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of oral cancer screening and what to expect during them can help you decide whether…