Healthy and well-functioning teeth are essential at all stages of life since they support important human functions like speaking, eating, and even breathing.
Root canal treatment helps save many teeth that would otherwise be lost.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million root canals are performed in the country each year.
Root canal treatment (or endodontic treatment) is designed to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.
Beneath a tooth’s white enamel and a hard layer called dentin is a soft tissue called pulp which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp is vital during a tooth’s growth and development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp and nerves, cautiously cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then placing a filling to seal the space.
When Is A Root Canal Needed?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside your tooth is injured or inflamed, or infected.
Common causes of damage to the pulp include:
- multiple dental procedures on the same tooth,
- deep decay due to an untreated cavity,
- a chip or crack in the tooth, or
- an injury to the tooth as a result of trauma, such as a fall, or getting hit in the mouth; the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth.
Symptoms Of A Pulp Infection
The symptoms of a pulp infection include:
- moderate to extreme pain when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks,
- spontaneous pain when biting or chewing,
- a loose tooth.
As the infection progresses, these symptoms often disappear as the pulp dies. The tooth then appears to have healed, but the infection may have in fact spread through the root canal system.
Eventually, further symptoms are experienced, such as:
- return of spontaneous pain when biting or chewing,
- swelling of the gum near the affected tooth,
- pus oozing from the gums near the affected tooth,
- a swollen cheek or jaw and/or
- the tooth becoming darker.
It’s essential to see an Endodontist in Northville, MI if you develop a persisting toothache.
Root canal treatment may be recommended if dental X-rays show that a bacterial infection has damaged the pulp.
The Stages In Your Root Canal Treatment In Northville, MI
A root canal treatment may involve a couple of visits to the dentist. It is one of the most effective procedures to save a dying tooth and stop nerve pain in your tooth, so it’s more than worth the extra visit.
Extirpation
This stage involves an evaluation of your tooth to confirm that a root canal is required, followed by an initial cleaning to control the bacterial infection in the tooth.
After numbing your tooth by applying a local anesthetic, your endodontist will make a small opening on the top of the tooth to allow access to its interior to clean the tooth’s root canals with specialized files thoroughly. The tooth and this opening are treated with an antibacterial solution that prevents bacterial growth and infection.
Finally, a temporary filling will be placed in the tooth.
Instrumentation
The second stage of your root canal treatment can sometimes be performed on the same day as stage one, but it may need to be carried out one to two weeks later.
Because the primary focus of root canal treatment is preventing infection, this step is crucial.
The root canal treatment expert carries out a more thorough cleaning of the tooth’s root canals that is focused on eliminating any infection. Your treating dentist may also take dental x-rays to confirm and ensure that the entire canal is cleaned by taking physical measurements of the canal depth and comparing them with the X-rays.
Obturation
This stage will generally take place four to six weeks after the second stage of your root canal treatment.
Once the root canal is completely free of any bacteria and your symptoms have been alleviated, it’s time to fill the root canal.
Filling of the root canal involves specialized rubber points, which are placed into the root canals before the canal is sealed. Depending on the nature of your tooth damage and situation, you may have a temporary or permanent filling inserted.
In some cases, additional damage and decay may require a dental crown to replace the top portion of a tooth. Studies have revealed that a dental crown after a root canal treatment helps the tooth last longer.
Post-Treatment Care
Most patients experience only mild side effects following their root canal treatment. You might experience mild pain and sensitivity as the local anesthetic wears off. You’ll only need over-the-counter pain medications for relief.
Also, avoid eating chewy, hard, or crunchy foods. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol as these habits can delay healing. Finally, don’t miss your appointment for a post-root canal treatment evaluation.
Why Choose Gasior Family Dental?
The key feature of our practice is our all-star team – a hand-picked group of dental experts working together as a team to achieve the optimum results for our patients.
Suppose you’ve been experiencing a persistent toothache or would simply like to schedule a regular check-up. In that case, the root canal specialists at Gasior Family Dental can determine whether you need a root canal treatment and provide the highest quality of care in a warm, comfortable, and relaxing environment.
If you would like to learn more about what to expect from a root canal treatment at Gasior Family Dental or to make an appointment at our Northville, MI dental office, please call us immediately.
