What exactly is a Root Canal?
Also known as endodontic or pulpal therapy, a root canal involves removing the nerve from the inside of an infected or damaged tooth, getting rid of pain while allowing the tooth to be kept. The inside of the tooth houses both the blood supply vital to keeping the tooth alive as well as the nerves that let you know when something is wrong. When tooth decay is allowed to reach the pulp, (the tissue inside the tooth), or when the pulp is exposed through a crack, you’ll experience pain and sensitivity. At this point, the nerve needs to be removed via a root canal.
Why would a Root Canal be needed?
Most commonly, a root canal is needed because of a cavity that was left ignored. The decay from the cavity was able to reach the inside of the tooth, infecting the pulp and damaging it. Another reason you’d need a root canal is that a tooth broke or cracked to the point of exposing the nerve. Either way, a root canal or endodontic therapy is necessary to reduce the pain and sensitivity you’re experiencing currently.
Who is a candidate for a Root Canal?
We can examine your teeth to determine if a root canal is necessary. Oftentimes, a patient who needs a root canal will experience severe pain and sensitivity to temperature extremes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important that you come into the office to have an examination. Sometimes, however, a large cavity near the nerve will require a root canal even if it does not cause any symptoms. If you need a root canal or endodontic therapy, it is important that you have the procedure done as soon as possible to prevent further infection entering the bloodstream.
What happens during typical Root Canals?
We begin by administering a local anesthetic before isolating the infected tooth with a dental dam. The decay is then removed fully from the tooth and the inner pulp is taken out. We clean the canals of the roots to remove any remaining pulp matter. Once this is done, the canals are filled with a special material and the tooth is filled with a tooth-colored build-up material.
Once the pulp is removed from the tooth, it becomes dry and significantly more likely to crack or fracture. This is why you always need a crown following a root canal to protect the tooth. Once the buildup is placed, the tooth is then prepared for a crown. You’ll leave the office with a temporary crown but without the pain and sensitivity.
If you suspect that you need a root canal and want to learn more about the procedure, call or text us today at (989) 799-5850 and we can get you in for an appointment with our endodontist as soon as possible.