Root Canal
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you’d probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called “root canal treatment,” your tooth can be saved. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is also detrimental to your overall health.
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed. Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth has extensive decay, your doctor may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Signs a Root Canal is Needed
Do you have a toothache that won’t quit? Do you feel pain in your gums or are your gums swollen around a certain tooth? Does it hurt when you eat or drink something hot or cold? If so, we may be able to help you.
Pain, swelling, sensitivity, pressure, these are all signs that may tell you that a root canal is in order. More directly, they are symptoms of a problem located in the inner chamber of a tooth. Often, infection in pulp tissue results from a cavity that has been left untreated. As bacteria move inward, these microorganisms destroy healthy tissue. The good news is that pulp is not a necessity for fully developed teeth. Removing pulp in the root canal procedure eliminates infection and pain and allows us to preserve the natural tooth structure.
The Procedure
- The dentist prepares the tooth just as he would to treat a cavity.
- An opening is made to the root area and pulp tissue, along with nerves and vessels, is removed.
- Root canals are sterilized with a dental solution
- Filling material is placed into canals to prevent entry to bacteria
- The tooth is rebuilt with a beautiful, durable dental crown.
By completing a root canal, our dentist can help you save your natural tooth and avoid having an extraction altogether. In addition, the tooth is far less likely to ever have any infection again as dental crowns are sturdy and durable.
Why Choose Prime Care Dental?
Our highest priority at Prime Care Dental is to provide you and your family with a lifetime of oral health and comfort. With updated technology and preventative dentistry, we keep you and your loved ones safe from all forms of dental health threats.
When you visit your general dentist regularly, you protect yourself from tooth loss, toothaches, and expensive procedures. Our general dentistry services are designed to help you maintain your natural teeth, gums, and jawbone for as long as possible.
At Prime Care Dental, our team will treat you like family. They will educate you about at-home care and help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
