In most cases, the inside of a tooth is protected by its hard enamel exterior. But there are situations where a tooth’s inner structure will develop a bacterial infection. If this problem is not dealt with quickly, then it is probable that the tooth will need to be extracted. A root canal procedure is designed to stop this infection from spreading, restore the health of the damaged tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. The procedure is highly effective, and it has helped millions of people successfully restore their oral health.
A tooth’s inner material is known as the pulp. The pulp consists mostly of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues, and it is critical for a tooth’s growth and development. Unfortunately, the pulp is very prone to bacterial infections. But this is often not a major concern, as the material is usually protected from outside invaders. However, a deep cavity or serious oral injury could allow bacteria to access the pulp and cause damage. This will cause the tooth to begin to rot out from the inside. And if the condition is not treated fast enough, a tooth extraction will be required to prevent the condition from eventually reaching the jawbone.
Luckily, the symptoms of an infected tooth are very noticeable. Most patients will recognize that something is seriously wrong with their tooth, and they will seek out appropriate help. Some of the most obvious signs of an infected tooth that requires root canal treatment include:
The best thing that a patient can do is try and avoid the need for root canal treatment in the first place. This can be done by taking proper care of the teeth and avoiding any serious oral health injuries. But if root canal treatment is required, we will do everything in our power to provide the best possible outcome for the patient. We always follow a careful and detailed process that offers the greatest likelihood of success for the patient.
Before starting root canal treatment, we must make some necessary preparations. This includes taking digital X-rays of the tooth to determine how much of the inner pulp material must be removed and replaced. We will also place a special rubber sheet around the tooth. This is called a dental dam, and it is used to keep the tooth dry and prevent the infection from spreading during the procedure. With these preparations made, we can initiate treatment.
We use advanced dental tools to enter the tooth from the top and access the inner structure. The inside of the tooth will be cleaned out to remove any bacteria and decay. We will then apply an antimicrobial liquid to completely flush out the root canals. This is the only way to ensure that the entire tooth is clean. A medicated filling substance will be applied to the tooth to provide it with structure and support. Finally, a dental crown will be installed so that any serious fractures and breakages are prevented.
Root canal treatment may be able to save your damaged tooth from extraction. Our experts can determine if you require treatment. Please call us at (203) 293-0030 to schedule an appointment.