Why Root Canals are Necessary
A root canal (endodontic treatment) is typically required when the pulp inside a tooth has become infected or inflamed due to a very deep cavity, deep filling, or some sort of trauma to the tooth, such as a fracture or crack. The pulp is tissue located in the innermost part of the tooth and is vital to the health of the tooth- it contains blood vessels and nerves which provide a tooth with nourishment, strength, and sensation. If the infection goes untreated, the tissues around the root of your tooth can also become infected. In that event, a patient may experience severe pain and swelling, abscesses inside the tooth or in the bone around the end of the root, or in the worst case- the complete loss of the tooth.
McOmber Dental Root Canal: Comfort is the Priority
A root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is the removal of the dental pulp, and then disinfecting and sealing of the pulp chamber. In our office, we perform numerous root canals. Our patients’ comfort is our top priority. An electronic apex locator is utilized to assist us in determining the length of the tooth root. This process takes the guesswork out of properly instrumenting and sealing the roots. Rotary files minimize the time spent cleaning the canals. These technological advances, together with the effective use of anesthetics, produce superior results, and make this procedure pain free, extremely safe, and can help save a patient’s natural tooth. Ordinarily, after the completion of root canal therapy, we will strengthen and protect the tooth with a filling or crown. This permits our patients to go back to biting and chewing normally, without pain or anxiety about the tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
You may require root canal treatment if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods
- Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth
- Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth
- Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night
- A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood
- Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another