Root Canal – Endodontic Treatment
Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with a Root canal, also known as endodontic treatment. The procedure is quick, comfortable and effective at eliminating infection and restoring a healthy tooth.
The tooth’s inner portion, called the pulp, contains blood vessels and nerves that can become inflamed, infected or die if bacteria invade through a cavity, fracture or injury. Infection can spread throughout the tooth and form a painful abscess. A root canal removes the bacteria, inflammation and dead pulp while leaving the healthy crown of the tooth intact.
Signs of a Root Canal Infection
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away, especially when it’s triggered by hot or cold or chewing may indicate an infection in the root canal of a tooth. Other signs include pus that collects in the gum tissue surrounding the affected tooth or swelling of the face or jaw.
Root Canal Infection Treatment
The procedure begins with numbing the area. An opening is made in the tooth, and each canal is cleaned and shaped before being filled with rubber-like material and sealed. An antibiotic is occasionally used to prevent infection.
A follow-up visit is needed to remove a temporary filling and place a permanent dental restoration, usually a dental crown, to protect the decontaminated tooth from future damage. It’s important to minimize chewing on the tooth until it is fully restored, as this can recontaminate the root canal and lead to breakage of the tooth.
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