What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is an efficient dental procedure that removes infected tissue, alleviates tooth pain, and helps you save a diseased tooth with a single appointment. Here’s what you need to know about root canal treatment.
The outer layer of your tooth is the enamel. Beneath the enamel is a hard layer called dentin. A soft tissue called pulp is found inside of your tooth down to its root. The pulp has nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment removes the pulp, cleans the interior of your tooth, and fills in the space so your tooth continues to function properly. We use a temporary material during your root canal so that your tooth is protected until you receive a permanent filling or crown.
What can you expect during Root Canal Treatment?
We begin root canal treatment by administering numbing medicine and a local anesthetic. You’re awake during the procedure, and there’s no downtime after your appointment. It’s normal to experience soreness once your anesthetic wears off, and this pain may last for a few days. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen should reduce your pain and swelling. You may need to take a course of oral antibiotics to ensure that all the infection-causing bacteria are killed. Avoid chewing with your tooth until you get your permanent crown or filling. Your tooth might feel different or “out of place.” This sensation is normal and should go away within a few weeks.
What are the benefits of Root Canal Treatment?
There are several benefits associated with root canal treatment.
A root canal stops the spread of infection
When a tooth is infected, the bacteria can spread to your neighboring teeth, causing more pain and putting your health at risk. Eventually, the bacteria can spread throughout your body and cause serious illness. Root canal treatment removes the bacteria to prevent the infection from spreading.
Root canal treatment prevents tooth loss
Without root canal treatment, we may need to extract your tooth to treat your infection. We recommend that patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible to optimize their oral and dental health. Missing teeth make it difficult to properly bite and chew, and if they aren’t replaced, they can cause your other teeth to shift.
Root canals preserve the jawbone
When we extract a tooth, the tooth’s natural roots are no longer embedded in your jaw. Your tooth’s roots stimulate the jawbone when you bite and chew. If your jawbone doesn’t receive this stimulation, it will start to deteriorate and reabsorb into your body. This bone deterioration can affect your appearance and facial structure.
If you think you might need root canal treatment, book an appointment today to see if it’s right for you.
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