Importance of Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a procedure that extracts infected pulp from the center of a tooth. At H&M Family Dentistry, this treatment is used when bacteria have infected the inner, soft layers of the tooth and caused an infection of the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth’s center. The dentist will remove the damaged parts of the tooth and fill it with a particular material to prevent another infection.

If a patient suffers from a severe infection, a root canal may be recommended to save the infected tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. This can prevent further problems for your oral health, such as shifting teeth or bone loss in the missing tooth area. A root canal can also prevent the spread of infection to the surrounding teeth, gums, and bones. Additionally, a root canal can save a tooth from needing to be extracted entirely. A missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift in place or even fall out. This can be difficult to correct down the road, so saving your tooth with a root canal is the best option to avoid these issues.

The Procedure For Root Canal

To perform the procedure, the dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the area and remove any decay from the tooth or teeth being treated. Next, an opening is made in the tooth, and the pulp is removed. The canals are reshaped and cleaned before filling with gutta-percha or other material. A crown is often placed over the treated tooth to strengthen and improve its appearance.

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

A root canal is a general endodontic procedure that treats the tooth's diseased pulp by removing infected and inflamed structures and replacing them with an inert material to prevent further infection. While this procedure might sound intimidating, most people experience minor discomfort and require little to no recovery time following the treatment. If a tooth becomes too severely damaged or decayed to save through other options, your dentist may recommend a root canal. This can occur when the decay spreads to the tooth’s root and causes an infection within the tooth. Even severe chips and cracks can cause significant damage to the interior structures of the tooth and cause the need for root canal therapy. You may also require this endodontic procedure if the nerve has become damaged or infected.

Once the pulp is infected, you may experience symptoms like inflammation, swelling, pain, or even visible signs of infection like pus around the affected area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your dentist will likely recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. This ensures the infection can be stopped before spreading further and that the overall health of your teeth and gums remains in good condition. If your nerves are damaged, you may also receive anesthetic medications during and after the procedure to help ease any pain and discomfort.

A root canal can alleviate pain in an infected tooth and prevent further infection if left untreated. If you suspect you may have a tooth infection, contact H&M Family Dentistry at 2711 S Parker Rd., Aurora, CO 80014, or call (303) 353-9611.