What is a root canal?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure in which an endodontist removes infected pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves, from inside your tooth to save it from decaying any further. This procedure is performed specifically to save damaged teeth from infection.
What happens if my pulp is not removed?
If you are suffering from a serious tooth infection, it’s important to remove your infected pulp as soon as possible. Infected tooth pulp and its accompanying bacteria can cause a series of painful dental problems, such as forming an abscess — a small pocket filled with pus that forms toward the end of a tooth root. In addition to painful abscesses, the infected pulp may also cause:
- Gradual bone loss around the tooth root
- Inflammation and swelling around the gums, face, neck, or head
- A hole in your tooth that leads to drainage issues
While these dental problems are painful and uncomfortable, they are preventable as long as you make an appointment with your dentist at the first sign of trouble.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
Some patients may have an infected tooth and experience no symptoms at all. However, some of the most common symptoms of an infected tooth in need of a root canal include:
- Tooth pain
- Sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages
- Tooth discoloration or an overall darkening of a tooth
- Mouth tenderness
- Inflammation and gum swelling
- A persistent pimple on the gums
- Discomfort when chewing
You are at a higher risk of tooth decay if you have had facial trauma, repeated procedures on a single tooth, large fillings, or a cracked tooth, so make sure your dentist knows your medical history if you experience any of the above decay symptoms.
What can I expect from a root canal?
The expert specialists at Chandler Dental Arts will start by taking digital X-rays of your teeth with an intraoral camera, which is inserted into your mouth to create the most detailed, accurate X-rays possible. Next, your endodontist will use local anesthesia on your tooth to ease any pain and discomfort you may experience.
A hole will then be drilled into your tooth, so your endodontist can remove any infected pulp and surrounding bacteria from inside your tooth. Once your infected tooth is scrubbed clean, it is filled and sealed using a rubber compound called gutta-percha.
Most endodontists will then seal the original hole with a filling, and many cases also require a crown to keep the teeth as strong and natural looking as possible. Should you require any further dental work, your dentist will discuss your options with you after the procedure.
After the procedure is over and you have started to heal, your tooth pain should subside completely. Call Chandler Dental Arts or book an appointment online today to learn more about your root canal options.
