A root canal treatment saves a decayed or infected tooth. The nerve, pulp, bacteria, and decay are removed during this treatment. The hollow space is then cleaned, filled, and sealed. It’s a common procedure and can last a lifetime provided the tooth receives proper care.
Your dentist will recommend a root canal as an option only when necessary. Some patients prefer to remove the affected tooth, thinking it’s the best solution. However, this is often more expensive and may cause issues for surrounding teeth. But there are times when the only option is extraction.
After this treatment your tooth may become weak, so your dentist may recommend putting a crown on it. The restoration protects and restores the tooth so it can function normally again.
What is a Root Canal?
Inside the tooth beneath the enamel and dentin is the cavity called the root canal. Within the root canal is the pulp, which contains tissue, vessels, and nerves.
When the pulp gets damaged, bacteria can spread within the chamber and result in an infection or abscess. An abscess can spread below the roots of the tooth. An infected root canal, on the other hand, may lead to swelling and bone loss.
Symptoms
An infection can be due to deep tooth cavities, damage, or injury. It’s worth noting that a tooth may still need root canal treatment even without visible damage.
Watch for these symptoms:
The Procedure
Treatment can be completed in one or two visits.
You and your dentist will plan and discuss all the details of the root canal procedure, including the tooth restoration.
If you're experiencing the symptoms listed above or are having issues with your mouth, schedule a dental checkup immediately. Find out the exact cause of the problem and address it before it progresses.