What is a root canal?
If your tooth becomes infected or badly damaged, the MediDental Care team might recommend a root canal to save it.
Soft tissue called pulp is inside of your tooth. Pulp is a collection of nerve fibers and blood vessels. When this tissue becomes infected, inflamed, or irritated, your dentist removes it during a root canal. After removing your pulp, your dentist cleans the inside of your tooth and seals it with a filling or crown. This covering protects your tooth from becoming more damaged.
Several things can cause your tooth to become infected, such as:
- Deep decay
- Large fillings
- Cracks or chips
- Suffering trauma
When you don’t treat an infected tooth, the infection can spread and form an abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that means your infection has spread beyond your tooth root.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
Several symptoms can indicate an infected tooth, including:
- Darkening of your tooth
- A small bump on your gum
- Swelling or tenderness of the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tooth pain when pressure is applied or while eating
After performing a dental examination, your dentist can tell you if your tooth is infected.
What can I expect during a root canal?
The experienced MediDental Care dentists and the technologically-advanced facility can manage all dental procedures and root canals, including molar root canals or complicated cases.
During your root canal, your dentist administers a local anesthetic before creating a small opening in your tooth with a drill. Your dentist then removes diseased or damaged pulp from the inside of your tooth and irrigates the chamber to make sure it’s clean.
After the inside of your tooth is clean and dry, your dentist fills it with a rubber-like material. The last step of your root canal is closing the hole in your tooth with a filling. Depending on your tooth, you may need a dental crown for additional protection.
Root canals typically have only mild discomfort despite their reputation, but MediDental Care is prepared to keep you comfortable during the entire procedure.
If you think your tooth is infected, call MediDental Care or schedule an appointment online today.
