If you require root canal treatment for an infected tooth, reach out to Dhami Family Dentistry. Our experienced dentist will walk you through the entire procedure.
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A root canal procedure is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. A root canal is a natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The tooth's nerve lies within the root canal.
A tooth's nerve is not vitally important to its health and function. Its only function is sensory- to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the functioning of the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, the nerve and the pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth or trauma to the face.
In some cases, no symptoms are present. Below are a list of signs that you may need a root canal :
- Severe toothache upon chewing or application of pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity or pain when heat and cold temperatures are applied
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth. A crown, inlay or onlay placed over the tooth will protect it from breaking and to restore the tooth to its full function again. Root canals are highly successful. Many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime.
Saving your natural teeth is the best option. The only alternative to a root canal is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant or a partial denture to restore chewing function, and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.