Once you have tooth decay, there are various treatment options available ranging from fillings to cleanings to root canal and extraction. When an infection of the tooth spreads to reach the pulp of a tooth, a root canal makes a suitable treatment option. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. These components make the sensitive areas of a tooth. When the center part of a tooth is infected, it may be very painful. Our team at Esthetic Smiles performs root canal procedures regularly to get rid of the infection. A root canal helps save your teeth.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal is an endodontic treatment designed to extract a damaged dental pulp. A dentist will recommend a root canal if you have a tooth infection that affects the core area of a tooth known as the pulp. The procedure is required to eliminate the infection or get rid of the swollen softer inner tissue of the tooth. Various things can damage the pulp including a crack on the tooth or a routine dental procedure performed on an adjacent tooth. Decay may also damage the pulp. Common symptoms of a damaged pulp are swelling of the gums, tooth sensitivity, deep decay, and cracking of teeth.
Is Root Canal Painful?
In most cases, our dentist performs the root canal procedure while you are under a numbing agent. Therefore, a root canal should not frighten you. The anesthesia helps numb your tooth and gums and the surrounding tissue, ensuring that you feel little or no pain during the surgery.
Root Canal Procedure
A dentist drills a hole within the tooth, allowing access to the affected pulp. The dentist removes the damaged tissue including the root. Getting rid of the root may not necessarily cause harm to your tooth. Often, a tooth root functions to provide sensations such as hot or cold. It also aids with tooth growth. Therefore, when you have a fully matured tooth, removing the root will not directly impact the remaining part of the tooth. It will help prevent more spreading of the infection. If we find it necessary to remove the root of a tooth, we do it promptly. We properly clean the affected area, ensuring that no infection is left behind.
Before the root canal procedure, our dentist examines the teeth including the affected area. An x-ray may be needed to get a better view and understanding of the nature of the damage. The dentist cleans the teeth, shapes the canal, and fills the hole. You will be administered an antibiotic to assist in killing any remaining infection. The procedure lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. After the procedure, you will go home and wait for the crown-placing visit, which your dentist will schedule. Crowning is needed if the decay was severe or if the root canal was performed on the back teeth or molars.
To find out more about root canal treatment and when it is required visit our office at Esthetic Smiles. Call our team today at 805-365-4222 to ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure or to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
