Root canal therapy, often simply referred to as a root canal, is a common dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp, a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, your Gold Coast, Chicago dentist may recommend a root canal to eliminate the diseased pulp.
If you're experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity, root canal therapy could be the solution you need. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it. The common causes of damage are cracked teeth, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Root canal therapy is necessary when the inside of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. This can lead to more serious health complications, so it's crucial to address the problem as soon as possible.
Root canals are one of the most widely performed dental procedures, with over 15 million performed each year.
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One of the primary benefits of root canal therapy is the relief it provides from the severe pain caused by an infected tooth. The procedure itself is painless, with local anesthesia ensuring that you feel no discomfort during the treatment. After the procedure, the intense pain you were experiencing will be gone. It will be replaced by a mild discomfort that can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving procedure. By removing the infected pulp, your dentist can save your natural tooth, which prevents the need for an extraction. Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option, as it allows for optimal functionality and aesthetics. A saved tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
An infected tooth, if left untreated, can lead to a spread of the infection, which can cause more serious health problems. Root canal therapy removes the source of the infection. This prevents it from spreading to surrounding teeth and the rest of your body.
The first step in root canal therapy is a thorough examination of the affected tooth and an X-ray to assess the extent of the damage. This helps your dentist plan the best course of action for your treatment.
Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is applied to numb the area and ensure your comfort. Once the area is numbed, a small hole is drilled into the tooth to access the infected pulp. The pulp is then carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned.
After the pulp has been removed and the tooth cleaned, the next step is to fill the tooth with a biocompatible material and seal it with a temporary filling. The final restoration of the tooth happens on a later visit, where a crown is placed to protect the tooth and restore its full function.
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