Root Canal![]() Need For The Removal of Tooth PulpWhen a tooth’s pulp suffers damage, it decays and breaks down, providing a way for the bacteria to enter and start to multiply inside the pulp chamber. Bacteria inside the pulp chamber and other debris can cause a severe infection or an abscessed tooth if left untreated. An abscessed tooth has pus-filled pockets formed at the root ends of your tooth. An infection in a tooth’s root canal can lead to pulp death, bone loss near the tip of the tooth, and the loss of the tooth itself. It may also cause swelling to spread elsewhere in the face or neck. Signs That You Need Root Canal TherapySigns and symptoms that you need a root canal include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pimples on your gums, sharp pain when chewing or biting something, a hole in your tooth, swollen or painful gums, and darkened gums. In severe cases, the swelling from the gums can spread to other parts like your face, neck, or even head. Root Canal Therapy ProcedureThe first step of the procedure involves taking an x-ray to see the shape of your root canals and find if there are any signs of infection in surrounding your bone. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area near your tooth. A rubber-like sheet called a dental dam is placed in your mouth to keep the area dry and free of saliva during your treatment. The next step is making a small access hole into your tooth. The bacteria and dead pulp tissue are removed with small files. As the work is done, water or sodium hypochlorite will be sprayed in that area to clean away the debris. A medication will be put inside your tooth if there is an infection. Otherwise your tooth will be sealed the same day it is cleaned out. Then, the tooth is filled with a sealer paste and a rubber compound. You will no longer feel any pain in that tooth because of the removal of the nerve tissue. The final step of the procedure is restoring your tooth. For protecting your tooth from future damage, a crown of similar color to your tooth is placed on it. Once the crown is placed, you can use your tooth as before. The technological advances in dentistry have made root canal therapies almost unnoticeable for patients. So why not get rid of your tooth pain right away? Please call Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (657) 341-0808 and book your appointment. |