Root canal therapy is a procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected due to a deep cavity or a cracked tooth. This treatment involves removing the infected pulp and nerves from the tooth and cleaning and sealing the affected area. If the treatment is not completed in a timely manor, infection can accumulate at the root tip, causing the infection to spread to the surrounding bone. This can lead to pain, swelling, and ultimately, the need for tooth extraction.
What are the indications that indicate the need for a root canal?
- Experiencing severe tooth pain during chewing
- Being awakened at night due to tooth pain
- Having highly sensitive teeth to hot or cold, with lingering sensitivity
- Noticing tooth discoloration or darkening
- Experiencing swollen gums in the area of the infected tooth
What does the treatment involve?
First, the dentist will create an opening in the tooth's crown to access the pump chamber. After removing the pulp, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned. If the dentist decides to complete the root canal therapy in multiple visits, a temporary filling will be used to protect the tooth. On your next visit, the temporary filling will be removed, and the root canal and pulp chamber will be cleaned again. Finally, a permanent filling and/or crown will be placed over the tooth.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, and many teeth that undergo this procedure can be saved for a lifetime. Furthermore, the crown or filling used at the end of the treatment makes it difficult for others to notice that you had the procedure.
