What You Should Know Before You Go in For Your Root Canal Procedure

A root canal, also called endodontic therapy, is the only way a tooth can be saved once its inner pulp has become infected. Many patients who are informed they will need a root canal are suddenly anxious due to the many myths surrounding root canals. Modern dental technology makes a root canal no more painful than a standard filling. When you visit Dr. Janis Milne and the team at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, Florida, you will receive a safe and comfortable root canal to treat your tooth’s pulp infection. If this is your first root canal, it may help to learn more about this procedure.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

Each of your teeth consists of a visible crown above the gum line and a root beneath the gum line. Within the root of any given tooth are very small, narrow openings called canals. These canals contain nerve fibers and blood vessels that provide the tooth’s necessary nutrition and sensations. If they become infected or decayed, you will start to experience pain. A root canal becomes necessary when a tooth’s inner chamber and canals become infected. When a root canal is performed, the inner pulp of the infected tooth will be removed, the canal will be filled to seal the space, and the entire inner tooth will be disinfected. This process can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

The Causes of a Root Canal

A root canal may be recommended if your tooth shows signs of infection or has apparent pulpal nerve damage. When teeth become damaged due to a crack or have experienced significant decay, the inner chamber of your tooth could become susceptible to bacteria. When bacteria are able to enter into the pulp and, left untreated, severe infection, bone loss, and even a loss of the tooth can happen.

The most common reasons the pulp and inner nerves can become damaged include:

• Physical trauma to the tooth, which leads to nerve tissue damage
• Deep tooth decay, which leads to physical irritation. When a severe cavity reaches deep enough into the tooth’s inner chamber, harmful bacteria can infect the inner pulp and nerve, leading to infection and worse
• A tooth that is damaged enough, via either a crack or fracture, to involve the tooth’s inner pulp

The Signs You Should Look for Which Could Indicate Pulpal Damage

While symptoms pointing to the need for a root canal can differ from person to person, here are some common signs and symptoms you should look out for:

• Pain in the tooth while chewing
• Extreme sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Facial swelling
• Gum swelling
• Graying or discoloration of the tooth
• Gums become tender and swollen
• Drainage coming from the tooth

What To Expect from Treatment

Root canals are often quite routine for the dental professional performing the procedure. An anesthetic will be applied to the tooth and surrounding area to ensure you are numb before the tooth is drilled into and the inner pulp removed. In most cases, a crown will be required to protect the weakened tooth once the tooth has been disinfected and sealed.

To schedule a root canal with Dr. Kickish at Inspiration Dental, please call (813) 638-0313 today.