Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or a crack. The treatment involves removing the pulp, which is the nerve of the tooth, and cleaning out the infected area. If the treatment is not performed, infection can build up at the root tip and can spread to the surrounding bone.
What are the signs that a root canal might be needed?
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the crown of the tooth.. Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. When the tooth is free of infection, the canals and pulp chamber are sealed with a material (gutta-percha), which prevents bacteria from reentering the tooth. Because a root canal tooth becomes brittle, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth from breakage.
What are the signs that a root canal might be needed?
- Severe tooth pain while chewing
- Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot or cold, with the sensitivity lingering for some time.
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swollen gums in the area of the infected tooth
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the crown of the tooth.. Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. When the tooth is free of infection, the canals and pulp chamber are sealed with a material (gutta-percha), which prevents bacteria from reentering the tooth. Because a root canal tooth becomes brittle, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth from breakage.
