What are root canals?
Root canals are treatments you might need if the nerves in one of your teeth is infected. To save your tooth, your provider at Advanced Dentistry of Center City removes the pulp, nerves, and infection inside your tooth, and fills the space with medicated dental materials.
Having root canal therapy is the best approach to saving a tooth that in time would die and require extraction. While tooth extraction may seem like a simpler solution, ultimately, it can be more costly and cause problems with your other teeth and jaw.
Root canals are highly successful and typically last a lifetime.
Why might I need a root canal?
Root canal therapy might be necessary if you have symptoms of an infection in the pulp and nerves inside the tooth. These symptoms include:
- An abscess on your gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Injury to the tooth may also require root canal therapy in some cases.
What does root canal therapy involve?
When you have a root canal, your provider at Advanced Dentistry of Center City anesthetizes the tooth and gum and puts a rubber dam (a small sheet of rubber) around the tooth to keep it dry and clean.
They make an access opening on top of the tooth and place a series of root canal files into the opening one at a time. The files remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and any other infected material. Your provider also extracts any decayed areas of the tooth with special dental instruments.
After making sure the tooth is completely clean, your provider seals it with a permanent filling. You may need a temporary filling at first, then a permanent filling a week or so later.
Your provider also fits a crown after performing root canal treatment to protect your tooth and restore it to its full function.
What happens after a root canal?
After your root canal treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive. Any discomfort should wear off as the inflammation lessens and the tooth heals.
You need to follow good oral hygiene practices and attend regular dental visits to prolong the life of your root canal.
For expert root canal therapy, call Advanced Dentistry of Center City today or book an appointment online.
