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://crossstreetfamilydentistry.com or call Cross Street Family Dentistry at (978) 867-0190 for an appointment in our Peabody office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A root canal treatment can restore a severely decayed or damaged tooth. This invasive procedure can help improve your dental health. Knowing why you need this treatment can motivate you to schedule an appointment soon. Here are the reasons to consider a root canal treatment.Gum disease, decay, or dental damage can lead to dental infection.…
Root canal treatment enables dentists to save infected, damaged, or decayed teeth. The procedure has a reputation as being painful, but this is far from the truth. Root canals were probably painful before the invention of local anesthetics, but now that is no longer the case. Local anesthetics are used during a root canal treatment,…
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, isn’t something most people think about daily, but it’s one of the most common treatments available. If you experience pain in your teeth and are considering treatment, then you may have heard of endodontic therapy, which can save your teeth and make sure you have good oral…
Wondering whether root canal therapy is in your near future? The only way to know is to make an appointment with a general dentist for a full oral evaluation. While most dental patients know they have a problem tooth, not all tooth infections cause pain.A tooth infection occurs when bacteria are able to get inside…
Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…
Dental crowns can treat many different concerns. They can repair damaged teeth, attach to dental implants for teeth replacement, and more. Two of the main types of dental crowns are metal and porcelain crowns. Both are effective solutions, but one may be preferable to another depending on the intended purpose.Your dentist should help you decide…