What are root canals?
A root canal is a procedure that treats and restores a tooth whose nerve has been significantly affected by decay or infection. It involves removing the decayed pulp from within your tooth and replacing it with a special rubber-like compound called gutta-percha.
Root canals are incredibly modern and beneficial procedures because they enable you to treat your infection or damage without drastically altering the natural structures of your mouth.
In the past, the only way to deal with infected or damaged tooth pulp was to extract it entirely, but a root canal allows you to preserve most of your natural tooth, which has a number of benefits for your oral health.
Do I need my tooth pulp?
Your tooth pulp is only necessary when your permanent teeth are still emerging in your smile. After that, the only real purpose that your pulp serves is to provide your tooth with sensation, like the feeling of hot and cold.
You don’t lose any functionality by removing your tooth pulp, making the benefits of a root canal far outweigh any perceived drawbacks.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
Some of the indications that you might have damage or infection inside your tooth that requires a root canal treatment include:
- Toothache
- Swelling and/or tenderness in your gums
- Pronounced sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pus around your gum line
- A small pimple or abscess on your gums
- Bad breath
- Discoloration or darkness in your tooth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Plainsboro Family Dentistry immediately. The team can perform a more thorough examination to determine whether or not your tooth is in need of a root canal.
What are the steps in getting a root canal?
First, your dentist numbs your tooth and the surrounding tissue with a local anesthetic and protects the rest of your mouth with a rubber dental dam. Then, they drill a hole in the top of your tooth to gain access to its inner chambers.
They use a series of small files to remove your damaged or decayed tooth pulp through the access hole, then clean and sterilize the inside of your tooth. Next, they fill your tooth with gutta-percha and seal the access hole in the top.
Finally, they fit your tooth with a crown. This provides extra protection for your tooth and restores its full function.
Schedule your root canal today by calling the office of Plainsboro Family Dentistry or booking a visit online.
