Regular dental fillings may not always benefit you, especially if your tooth is severely damaged or diseased. Infection that has extended to your pulp needs a more comprehensive treatment approach, which is possible through root canal therapy.
Dexter dental office comprises experienced dental specialists who offer more profound care towards dental decay to enhance your oral health and well-being.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is an advanced and more comprehensive treatment for restoring severely damaged or decayed teeth. It involves the removal of the pulp, refilling the canals with a biocompatible material, and permanently sealing the tooth with a customized crown.
Dental pulp is a connective tissue mass composed of nerves and blood vessels situated inside of your tooth. It acts as a source of nutrition for your teeth. Any infection or damage to the pulp leads to a cascade of painful symptoms that require prompt treatment.
Why do you need root canal therapy?
There are multiple reasons for your dentist to recommend root canal therapy. These include:
- Severely decayed teeth
- Tooth damaged due to trauma or injury
- Infection that may have developed near the root tip
- The presence of pus discharging abscess near the tooth
- For teeth that support a dental bridge
How do you know you need root canal therapy?
Certain warning signs and symptoms make it necessary for you to undergo root canal therapy, such as:
- Severe lingering tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Pain radiating to the ear, jaws, or neck
- Extreme sensitivity to heat and cold
- A pimple or an abscess on your gums with or without pus discharge
- Swollen jaw
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when pressure is applied (while chewing or biting)
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Loose teeth
What does a root canal procedure involve?
The steps for root canal therapy include:
- Isolating the affected tooth with a rubber dam for moisture control
- Administering local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and surrounding gums
- Access opening by drilling a hole using ultrasonic instruments in the tooth crown
- Pulp removal, including the nerves and blood vessels, through rotary files
- Shaping the root canals through a process called biomechanical preparation
- Cleaning and disinfecting the root canals
- Filling the empty canals with a flexible, biocompatible material called gutta-percha
- Sealing the tooth with a temporary filling material to prevent reinfection
- Placing a final restoration through a customized dental crown to protect the tooth and restore your bite
Takeaway
Severe tooth decay with pain and swelling can be daunting, but fortunately, with the advanced technology in dentistry, you can permanently restore it. This is possible through root canal therapy, which aids in oral health enhancement and smile rejuvenation.
