Tooth decay is a common dental problem that can impair your oral health. Persistent tooth decay can, however, spread to the pulp, causing severe inflammation. This paves the way for painful symptoms that can be debilitating and impact your routine life. Root canal therapy is the ultimate solution to pulp infection.
Root canal therapy performed at the dental office in Mequon by highly skilled and experienced endodontists can significantly eliminate pulp infection and save your natural tooth from unwanted extractions.
An insightful guide to root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is a common endodontic procedure that can successfully eliminate pulp infection and restore it with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
A root canal is an enclosed chamber within the tooth root that is either single or multiple, depending on the number of roots present. It consists of the pulp, which is the innermost core consisting of nerves and blood vessels. Any untreated tooth infection can spread to the pulp and the canals, damaging the nerve endings. This can lead to painful symptoms, negatively impacting your quality of life.
Significant signs indicating the need for root canal therapy
There are a few classical signs that indicate the need for root canal therapy. These include:
- Excruciating tooth pain that does not subside easily
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums
- Dental abscess (pus-filled pouch) at the root apex
- Visibly swollen jaw
- Tooth discoloration (appear bluish in color)
- Pain when pressure is applied during chewing
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Mobile or loose tooth
Step-by-step guide to root canal therapy
Pain relief is the prime focus of root canal therapy. This procedure involves the following steps:
Initial tooth evaluation
- Dental X-rays will be taken to evaluate the source of pain and study the root morphology (number and shape).
- Local anesthesia will be administered to ease pain and discomfort during the procedure.
Removal of the infected pulp
- Your dentist will remove the carious lesion from the tooth surface using ultrasonic instruments.
- An access opening will be made to expose the coronal pulp.
- Once the pulp tissue is removed, your dentist will locate the root canals to open them.
- Rotary files will be used to remove the remaining radicular pulp and clean the canals.
- The root canals are shaped, disinfected, and filled with gutta-percha.
- Your dentist will finally seal the tooth crown with a temporary filling.
Once the RC-treated tooth heals, your dentist will permanently restore it with a dental bridge or crown. This can greatly help restore the oral form, function, and aesthetics. Consult your dentist for any pain and discomfort associated with pulp infection for further evaluation and treatment.
