There is a misguided perception of dental procedures, especially when it comes to root canal treatment. You may think this procedure is painful or scary, which makes you anxious. However, this is not true. Root canals are safe, simple, and effective solutions to extensive tooth damage when performed by an experienced dental professional.
Livermore, CA dental practice offers cutting-edge technology root canals to help restore, rehabilitate, and rejuvenate your oral cavity! Read on to know all about root canal treatment!
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that helps alleviate painful symptoms caused by an infected, inflamed, or abscessed tooth pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of your tooth, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. It helps in tooth development by providing nutrition. |
Alarming signs that make root canal treatment mandatory
You may experience certain alarming symptoms that require immediate dental care and attention. These include:
- Chronic radiating tooth pain to the jaw, face, and other teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures that may linger for more than a few seconds
- An infected tooth can lead to inflammation of your gums and make them tender and red
- A pus-discharging abscess
- A chipped or cracked tooth can pave the way for plaque accumulation and bacterial invasion into the tooth pulp
- Tooth discoloration due to prolonged pulpal infection
- Extreme tooth pain while eating or chewing food particles
- A loose tooth due to chronic infection
The procedure involved in the treatment
During your first visit, your dentist will evaluate the affected tooth through dental X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and study the root morphology. This helps them plan the root canal accordingly and prepare them for any unwanted emergency during the procedure.
Procedure
- Your dentist will administer local anesthesia (a numbing agent) to ease your pain.
- A rubber dam will be used to isolate the affected tooth for moisture control.
- A small opening will be made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp (access opening).
- Tiny dental instruments are used to extract the inflamed pulp from the root canal
- The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- The empty canals are filled with a flexible dental material called gutta-percha
- A temporary filling will be placed to seal the tooth
- Once your tooth heals, your dentist will provide a custom-made permanent crown.
Root canal treatment is an excellent alternative to extraction that helps preserve your tooth structure, restoring your oral form, function, and aesthetics. If you notice any alarming signs with or without treatment, consult your dentist.