Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure intended to remove oral discomfort and restore your tooth. When the inside of your tooth is severely infected or decayed, an expert endodontist extracts that pulp from the tooth's interior.
Endodontists specialize in dealing with dental pulp, and root canal therapy is often a big part of that. Root canals protect your tooth and take away your pain.
What leads to an infection in the tooth root?
An untreated cavity or oral injury can cause infection in the tissue and roots of your teeth. If you don’t get to a dentist in time, the infected tissue can reach the pulp or root of your tooth. If the infection gets any farther, it can lead to a host of other problems.
What does an infected tooth look and feel like?
If you don't seek treatment for the infected tooth rather quickly, you can experience a significant amount of discomfort. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth soreness while chewing
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Smelly, bad breath
- Pus around the tooth
- Painful aching in your mouth or jaw
- Tooth darkening in color
- A bump on your gum like a small pimple
How is a root canal performed?
A highly-skilled endodontist at Glenwood Dental Care can typically take care of your tooth in one or two visits. You may need a digital X-ray to determine the extent of damage to the tooth needing the root canal.
Your endodontist at Glenwood Dental Care starts by using anesthetic around your tooth. Occasionally, your endodontist places a small sheet of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to protect it during the procedure. Next, your endodontist creates a tiny opening in your tooth to reach the diseased area within the root.
Your endodontist then clears away the unhealthy and infected pulp, and irrigates the area with water. Once all the infected material is removed, your endodontist either seals the tooth or puts in a temporary filling to protect your tooth until you get a permanent crown.
If you show any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, be sure to call Glenwood Dental Care or schedule a consultation online.