Below the enamel and dentin, there is pulp at the center of a tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes injured or infected, the patient may experience swelling, infection, and pain.
Multiple procedures on the same tooth can lead to pulp damage requiring root canal treatment.
Tooth damage from trauma can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection.
Severe tooth decay can reach the pulp, causing infection and requiring root canal treatment.
Physical trauma to the tooth can damage the pulp and necessitate root canal treatment.
"A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues."
The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth. One of the biggest benefits of root canals is getting rid of pain and infection in the mouth.
After root canal treatment, the patient will receive a crown or filling that restores their tooth's aesthetic appearance.
Removal of the infected dental pulp prevents the bacteria from spreading and damaging the surrounding teeth.
Root canals restore a tooth's health to function like any other tooth.
Nothing can replace the look and function of a natural tooth.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, requiring removal of the damaged tissue.
During a root canal treatment, the dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp and fills and caps the tooth to restore function.
Thanks to modern technological advances, root canal treatment is now more painless than ever before.
Capping the tooth protects and restores it to full function, allowing normal eating and speaking.
"The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth."
According to Healthline, root canal treatment typically involves four steps. First, we will take an X-ray of the infected tooth and numb the treatment site.
We take an X-ray of the infected tooth and numb the treatment site for comfort.
We place a dental dam, or small protective sheet, over the area to protect the spot from saliva and bacteria during the procedure.
We make a small incision near the tooth's crown to expose the infected pulp before removing the infected tissue and cleaning out the pathways.
Once the canals are clean, we apply a topical antibiotic, fill and seal the tooth, then place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth.
In some cases, the damage is too extensive for treatment to be viable. If root canal treatment occurs in this situation, it could result in tooth loss.
Though rare, root canal treatment can also result in abscesses. This typically only occurs if improper infected pulp removal occurs or if antibiotics are ineffective.
Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.
"Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%."
Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place. Preventing the need for root canal treatment is simple, maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
"Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place."
Since root canals are often necessary due to tooth decay, people can help prevent this by brushing twice and flossing once every day.
It is essential to attend regular dental appointments and seek dental attention as soon as possible when pain or discomfort arises.
Avoid acidic foods and beverages, not chewing on ice, and wear a mouthguard while playing sports and at night if teeth grinding occurs.
Root canals are safe and effective procedures to save a tooth. However, some situations may require alternative treatment, such as extraction.
Extraction involves pulling out the entire tooth when it is too damaged to be saved with a root canal.
This treatment takes more time and can necessitate further procedures to surrounding teeth and supporting tissue.
It is always best to try and save a natural tooth when possible, as nothing can replace the look and function of a natural tooth.
Natural teeth provide the best chewing efficiency and maintain proper jaw alignment and bone structure.
Saving the tooth with a root canal prevents the need for bridges, implants, or other replacement options.
Root canal treatment is often more cost-effective than extraction followed by tooth replacement procedures.
"Extractions are best for when a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a root canal."
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that saves millions of teeth from inflammation and infection each year by removing damaged pulp and nerves from inside the tooth.
Benefits include eliminating pain and infection, improved appearance, reduced risk for further decay, restored function, and saving the natural tooth.
The process involves X-ray and anesthesia, dental dam placement, pulp removal and cleaning, and filling and restoration with a crown.
Prevention includes maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental appointments, avoiding damaging habits like chewing ice, and wearing mouthguards during sports.
The main alternative is tooth extraction, which is only recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a root canal.
Root canals are very common procedures, with millions performed each year. They are one of the most frequently performed dental procedures to save infected or damaged teeth.
The main alternative is tooth extraction, but this is only recommended when the tooth cannot be saved. Root canals are preferred to preserve natural teeth.
A root canal can remove infected or damaged pulp from a cracked tooth, then the tooth is filled and capped with a crown to restore its strength and function.
The cost of a root canal treatment will vary for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the extent of damage, the location, and whether insurance covers part of the procedure. People should contact their insurance provider for more information.
Every insurance plan is different. Since root canals are considered a medically necessary treatment, most dental insurance plans will provide some treatment coverage. People will have to contact their insurance provider to learn more about coverage before seeking treatment.
Recovery following a root canal is often quick and painless. Though soreness and discomfort are normal in the days following treatment, most patients can return to school, work, and their daily activities the next day. Pain that extends beyond a couple of days may indicate a problem.
Many people believe that root canals are painful. Though discomfort is common, the treatment is typically no more painful than having a cavity filled. However, nervous patients should discuss their fears with their providers beforehand.
Although it is normal to experience swelling and inflammation after the root canal, patients can take over the counter pain medication to minimize discomfort. We recommend not chewing on the tooth to keep the area clean and prevent the tooth from breaking before we restore it completely. Patients will need to have a follow-up appointment after treatment to ensure that the healing process progresses well.
Cementum is that bone-like tissue that forms the outer surface on the root of the tooth.
Dental pulp is the inner-most layer of the tooth with connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.
Dentin is the inner layer of the tooth structure that is immediately under the enamel and surrounds the dental pulp.
A direct pulp cap is a procedure in which a professional treats exposed pulp with a therapeutic material to help the tooth heal.
The enamel is the hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.
An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on treating issues, diseases and conditions that affect the inner-most layer of the tooth, the dental pulp.
A pulpectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of pulp tissue from the root canal in a tooth.
Pulpitis is another term to describe the inflammation of the dental pulp due to an injury or infection.
A pulpotomy is a procedure involving the removal of a portion of diseased or infected pulp in order to protect the healthy portions of the pulp and teeth still in the mouth.
If your tooth is injured or infected, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Our team at myDentist El Monte can help save your tooth with professional root canal treatment.