Root Canal Treatment Relieve Pain and Save Your Natural Tooth

Root canal therapy preserves natural teeth, prevents shifting of adjacent teeth and supports jawbone health. Symptoms of an infected tooth include persistent or severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold and tender gums.

During treatment, the dentist will numb the tooth. An opening is made through the top of the tooth and the infected pulp, bacteria and nerve tissue are removed with special dental tools. The space is cleaned and shaped then filled with gutta-percha.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal treatment Bowling Green KY (also called endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure that eliminates inflamed or infected tooth pulp and repairs the inside of a badly damaged or decayed tooth. Millions of teeth are saved with this quick and comfortable procedure each year.

A tooth may need a root canal when a crack, deep cavity, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a physical trauma damages the dental pulp. The damaged pulp can become inflamed or infected, resulting in pain and swelling, or an abscess.

The dentist will numb the tooth with dental X-rays, then an opening is made through the top of the tooth to reach the damaged pulp. The dentist uses special tools to remove the dead pulp and clean and shape the empty canals before filling them with a rubberlike material called gutta-percha. A temporary filling is placed in the opening until a permanent tooth cap or other restorative capsule is put on top of the tooth.

How Is a Root Canal Done?

A spongy material called pulp, which houses the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, resides inside each of your tooth roots. The tooth’s outer enamel and dentin layers protect it, but if a tooth becomes severely decayed or cracked, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause an infection.

When this occurs, root canal treatment is necessary to eliminate the infection and prevent future infections. Despite popular myths, root canal treatments are not painful and most patients experience significant relief after the procedure is complete.

Before the root canal, the dentist will review X-rays of the area and then use a special anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. An access opening is made on the top of the tooth, and a special dental tool is used to remove the infected pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria. The tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before it’s filled with a temporary or permanent restoration. Most teeth require a crown after the root canal to support it.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

The longevity of a root canal depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the tooth’s restoration and your oral hygiene habits. Depending on the type of filling material used and whether or not a crown is placed, a tooth with a root canal can last between 10 to 15 years. The location of the treated tooth also plays a role, since molars endure more chewing pressure than front teeth.

Having an endodontist perform your root canal treatment Bowling Green KY will help ensure that all infected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly, and the tooth is properly sealed. If any of these steps are neglected, bacteria can re-enter the tooth, shortening its lifespan.

Other things that can affect a tooth’s lifespan include grinding of the teeth (a condition known as bruxism) or chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils. Regular dental checkups and use of mouthwash can help maintain healthy gums and prevent future infections.

What Can I Expect After a Root Canal?

Root canal recovery typically involves a few days. During this time, you might feel some discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this pain. A soft food diet is also recommended to avoid aggravating the treatment area. If pain persists, contact us to schedule a follow-up appointment. This will allow your dentist to check on the healing process and ensure that everything is progressing as expected.

Root canal treatment can save inflamed or infected teeth, alleviate pain, and prevent further complications. Though it may seem daunting, knowing what to expect during and after your endodontic procedure will ease anxiety. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful recovery and enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about root canal therapy, give our practice a call! We’ll be happy to discuss your options.