Root Canals

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure used to salvage a tooth by removing an infected and damaged root nerve. The surgery involves gently removing the nerve and pulp, to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gum.

Even though endodontics is often referred to as a root canal, the root itself does not get removed. Rather, the soft tissue from inside the structure gets removed. If the decay is minimal, a small filling will be required. If the decay is extensive, root canal therapy will be required.

That therapy consists of relieving pain, halting further infection, and preserving your natural tooth to the best of our ability. 

Once we’re done, though, your tooth will retain continued function. The only thing you must do is maintain your smile through daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing.  Don’t forget about routine check-ups! 

What Can Cause Infected Pulp in Your Tooth?

Plenty of causes can exacerbate an infected pulp issue in your teeth. Here are a few of them: 

A Deep Cavity  

When a cavity penetrates the enamel and dentin, it exposes the inner pulp to bacteria. That bacteria can then infiltrate the pulp chamber, causing infection, inflammation, and severe pain. This infection can spread through the root canal and cause further damage to surrounding tissues. This can also lead to abscesses. Addressing deep cavities promptly through dental care is crucial to prevent pulp infection. Regular check-ups help catch cavities early, so get on the schedule! 

Repeated Dental Procedures 

You may not be blessed with the best teeth, so you’ll need continuous and sometimes significant dental work. Unfortunately, you’re also opening yourself up to infected tooth pulp opportunities. Repetitive interventions like fillings, crowns, or trauma from extensive dental work may compromise the tooth's structural integrity and expose the pulp to bacteria. These procedures can weaken the protective layers of your teeth. Invasive treatments might also lead to inflammation or trauma, thus increasing the risk of pulp infection. 

A Cracked or Broken Tooth 

Any crack or broken tooth can pose a significant risk of infecting your tooth pulp. When a tooth is damaged through trauma or decay, bacteria now have a perfect entry point to infiltrate the inner layers of your teeth. This exposure can directly impact your tooth pulp and cause infection or inflammation. Without the help of a professional, you are opening yourself up to greater bacterial infiltration and further damage to your teeth. Broken teeth require immediate attention! 

Injury to the Tooth  

Any type of injury to your teeth can cause pulp infections. High-impact trauma through a blow to the head can damage the structure of your teeth and expose your tooth pulp. Exposure like this, as we have discussed, can cause inflammation or infection. If you have injured a tooth recently, it is imperative that you see a dental professional immediately to reduce the impact of pulp decay.  

Are Root Canals Painful?

There’s a theory out there that getting a root canal is a painful experience. After all, considering all the tools necessary to complete a successful root canal, it can be easy to make that assumption. 

Thanks to advances in dental technology, what used to be a painful experience for many people is something that can be addressed easily. Once we gain access to the infected pulp in your tooth, we work quickly to remove it and clean the remaining chamber. From there, we seal the canal and apply a filling or crown to it that can last for years if you take care of your teeth properly. 

Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort that requires one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your teeth and your smile! If you continue to care for your teeth and gums, your restored tooth could last a lifetime.  

If you are nervous about the prospect of a root canal, let us know! Our team always wants you to feel comfortable and pain-free, and we will work with you to ensure your entire visit with us is stress-free.  

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