A root canal is a treatment procedure that is performed to repair and save a tooth from further decay and infection. The procedure takes place in the space inside the tooth from the pulp chamber down the root towards the tip, which is referred to as the root canal. Depending on the tooth, it could possess one to four root canals each. When the nerves or pulp of these tiny canals suffer trauma or infection, it will need to undergo the root canal therapy treatment.
Common Causes for Root Canals
Whenever the nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it begins to break down and allow bacteria to multiply within the chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can lead to extensive tooth decay that invades the tooth, enamel, dentin, and the pulp chamber. An abscessed tooth can also occur, which is an infection that spreads throughout the tooth to the ends of the roots. Certain traumas can require a root canal, such as when the nerves to become exposed with chipped or broken teeth.
How Are Root Canals Performed
The dentist will begin the treatment by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth that is receiving the root canal. After the tooth is properly numb, he or she takes an x-ray of the entire tooth to serve as a guide for the procedure. The dentist places a rubber dam over the patient’s mouth to keep the tooth separated and dry from the saliva of the mouth.
Then, the dentist begins to drill a small hole through the tooth to the pulp chamber and use small files to remove the infected tissue from the tooth. The dentist will be sure to get all of the nerve and tissue in order to prevent future toothaches and troubles. After a sufficient cleaning, the tooth is dried and covered with a rubber material to seal the inside. Either a temporary or permanent filling is placed on top to close the tooth.
Recovery from Root Canal
After the anesthetic wears off, patients will feel soreness and discomfort in the tooth. Dentists typically offer a painkiller medication to take at home to ease some of the associated pain. Furthermore, antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate any remaining infection in the tooth. Although the procedure receives a bad reputation for being painful, most patients report that it is not any more painful than regular fillings. Do not hesitate to visit your dentist if you experience the signs of needing a root canal.
Root Canal in Bolivar, Missouri
If you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area, you can trust your dental health to Dr. Paul Gonzales and his team at Bolivar Family Dental. We believe that there is nothing better than a natural tooth. For your natural tooth to remain a healthy part of your mouth, you may require a root canal treatment at some point in your life. Avoid further decay, increasing pain, infection and even the loss of your tooth by having a root canal treatment. Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns you may have about a root canal treatment. (417) 777-8654
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to see Dr. Paul about a toothache.
Tooth Diagram
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