What is a Root Canal?
When a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread into the center of the tooth, where the dental pulp lives. Inside the dental pulp are nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels; all of the sensitive areas of the tooth are contained here. When the area becomes infected, it can be incredibly painful, requiring immediate treatment.
An endodontic therapy procedure works by creating a small hole in the tooth so that all of the infected areas can be removed. The dental pulp is removed, and sometimes the roots of the tooth are removed as well. You only need your tooth roots to feel sensations like hot and cold and for the tooth to grow in. Once it has fully matured, removing the roots will not directly harm the tooth and can prevent the further spread of infection.
When we are able to remove the tooth’s roots, we will do so. Once the infection is removed, we then clean the area to ensure that all remnants of the infection are completely gone. We will typically prescribe antibiotics to ensure the elimination of any lingering infection.
In order to complete the root canal treatment, we will seal up the hole where the dental pulp used to be. This is typically done with something called gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like substance that can help to stabilize the tooth after a portion is missing. Then, we place a filling or crown in order to further strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Both fillings and crowns come in tooth-colored options, so the results look completely natural.
Advantages Of Root Canal Treatment
In the past, many people would need to have their teeth pulled if they became severely infected or the dental pulp became inflamed. Those teeth can now be saved with a root canal. This is a far better option because it keeps the natural tooth in place, which helps maintain the shape of the face. This is because, as teeth fall out, the muscles in the face can start to sag. While this is not particularly common with the loss of one tooth, it is when several become infected and fall out. By treating and saving an infected tooth, we can help preserve your facial structure.
Another benefit of root canal treatment is that once the procedure is completed and the filling or crown is in place, you will be able to eat without restrictions. Once the infection is gone and the tooth is strengthened, it will function as it should.
A restored tooth will look completely natural if a tooth-colored crown or filling is used to restore it. Crowns can be created in the exact shade of the surrounding teeth so that they blend in perfectly, which means no one will know you have a crown.
If you don’t have a root canal, your only other option may be an extraction, which is essential to preventing the spread of infection. Once the tooth is removed, it will need to be replaced. The options for doing so involve wearing a denture, getting a dental bridge, or having dental implants installed. These are all viable solutions but take additional time, and the recovery period is longer since the procedures require several steps.
Learn More About Endodontic Treatment Today
If you’re experiencing tooth pain and think you might be in need of root canal therapy, contact our Rockledge, FL general dentist. Dr. Hilary Prill is trained to perform endodontic procedures that will relieve your pain and restore your smile. Call us today at (321) 633-4020 or use our online contact form. We’re here to help.
