If the nerve within a tooth becomes inflamed, root canal treatment can keep you from losing the tooth, while treating the inflammation before it causes major health complications.
An inflamed (abscessed) tooth causes discomfort in the form of swelling and toothache. It can also cause health complications, because the bacteria from the inflammation can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
One way to treat the inflammation is to remove the tooth and disinfect the area. However, tooth loss creates a gap between surrounding teeth, which then requires a dental implant or bridge. It is preferred to save a tooth, if possible, through root canal treatment.
A root canal should be no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled, though the procedure is more complex. A root canal is a procedure in which we remove inflamed or dead pulp (the inner nerves and blood vessels) from inside a tooth, and subsequently fills and seals the resulting space.
We begin the treatment by applying local anesthesia and isolating the area with a rubber dam. Then we will drill an opening in the tooth to access the inflamed pulp. From there, we will remove the pulp and clean the area with specialized tools. We fill the root space with a composite resin. Finally we seal the surface of the tooth with a crown to prevent further inflammation, and restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
Root canal treatment is typically performed in one visit. A second visit may be required to complete the crown restoration.
