Root canal therapy is a routine dental procedure that can save your smile. Here’s what happens during this common procedure and how to decide if this treatment is right for you.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected.
Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth. The pulp is a soft tissue that protects the center of your tooth, called the root canal system. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected, it needs to be removed so your body can heal and protect your teeth.
If a tooth has become so severely decayed that it’s causing you pain and discomfort, you need to seek help from your dentist, and a root canal may be the best treatment. Some signs that this might be happening include:
- Sharp pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to biting pressure
- Sensitivity to sweet or acidic foods (such as lemons and limes)
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swollen gums
- Discoloration
You can also tell if a tooth is in serious trouble by looking at its color: yellowish teeth are likely suffering from decay, while dark brown or black ones have already been damaged too much for treatment options like root canal therapy (RCT) to work effectively anymore.
Inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
Root canal treatments are routine and straightforward.
During root canal treatment, your dentist will remove the damaged area of the pulp and then clean, disinfect and fill the root canal. Dentists perform countless root canal procedures every year – they are incredibly routine and straightforward across the industry.
After the root canal is completed, your dentist may place a crown over the tooth. The crown is usually made from porcelain. It is used both to improve the appearance of your smile and help protect the tooth from further damage.
Knowing the basics about root canal treatment is important, but if you or someone you care about needs this type of oral surgery, it’s important to get the facts from a professional.
When selecting a dental provider for endodontic care, it’s important that you feel comfortable with them and trust them to do their best for you. At Marx Family Dental, our team can give you all of the information you need before and after your procedure. We take special care in making sure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about the treatment. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our root canal therapy options.