Root canals are needed when the soft tissue inside a tooth — called pulp — becomes infected or inflamed. This can be caused by a deep cavity, trauma, or even an untreated dental abscess.
The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and other tissue that helps grow a healthy tooth. Infection and inflammation of the pulp can cause severe pain, and it can also spread to other parts of the mouth or even the rest of the body.
The best way to know if you need a root canal is to visit your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning. The dentist will listen to your symptoms and take X-rays of your teeth, which can show any problems you may have. If you are looking for a skilled Sarasota Root Canal Specialist and more information about crowns and bridges, visit https://www.thesarasotadentist.net/root-canals/.
Your dentist will then examine the X-rays and determine whether your tooth needs treatment. If it does, he or she will make an appointment for you to have a root canal done.
How to have a root canal performed
Before beginning the procedure, the dentist will place a rubber dam over the affected area and place anesthesia in your mouth. He or she will then make an access hole and remove the infected pulp using a series of tiny dental instruments.
He or she will clean, disinfect and shape the inside of the tooth and its surrounding root canals. The canals will then be filled with a material that is biocompatible and resistant to bacteria.
Finishing the procedure
Once the canals are fully filled, the dentist will place a dental filling in your tooth to seal it. This is the final step of the process and will help prevent any bacteria from entering your tooth and infecting it again.
Recovery time after a root canal is usually less than a week. However, mild discomfort or stiffness may remain for a few days. If you have any discomfort or swelling after a root canal, call your dentist immediately.
Symptoms and signs that you need a root canal are pain, sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, an unexplained or chronic ache in the tooth, or a fever. These are the most common symptoms of a tooth that needs root canal therapy.
The tooth may be infected by bacteria that is causing an infection in the pulp. This is a serious problem that can lead to an abscess in your jawbone and potentially other health problems.
Your dentist may need to perform a surgical procedure called an apicoectomy to remove the infected tissue and the tip of the root (apex). This is necessary if the infection has spread past the root canals into your jawbone.
After root canal therapy, your tooth should last for years provided you maintain excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. In addition, you should avoid consuming too much sugar and drink plenty of water to maintain the health of your tooth.