A root canal is a procedure that is completed when the inside of the tooth, known as the pulp, is damaged. The pulp is the inside of the tooth where the blood supply and nerve of the tooth are found. There are several things that can cause damage to the pulp but some are: trauma (a blow to the tooth), decay, a cracked tooth, multiple or deep fillings on a tooth.
To complete the root canal, a small opening is made in the top of the tooth and then the pulp is removed from the roots. The area is cleansed, shaped, disinfected and then filled with a sterile, bio-compatible material. After the root canal is completed, an appropriate restoration will need to be placed. The appropriate restoration may be a crown or filling depending on the condition of the tooth involved.
Root canal teeth are more brittle than a tooth that has not had a root canal, so getting your tooth restored properly and in a timely manner after the root canal is completed is very important to prevent tooth fracture or loss. Also, a tooth that is not properly restored and sealed in a timely manner after root canal treatment can result in re-infection of the root canal space which could cause a need for the root canal to be re-done.
Some warning signs for teeth that may need a root canal are hot/cold sensitivity, pain when chewing, swelling in the gum tissue, and drainage (also possibly a bad taste from the area) from the gum tissue. Although there are other potential symptoms, the ones listed above are some of the common ones. In some cases, if the symptoms are detected soon enough, a root canal can sometimes be avoided (as is the case with some cracked teeth). In other cases, these symptoms can be a sign of infection which is important to have treated. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms you should have an evaluation completed.
Do you have questions about root canals or other services we offer? Contact us today and we look forward to helping you!
