A root canal is a dental treatment that is performed on the interior portion of a tooth. Your teeth are living structures, and, as such, are subject to infection. Root canal therapy is often the only way to save an infected tooth.
The outermost layer of each tooth is a thin shell of hard tissue called enamel. Just beneath lies another layer of hard tissue called dentin. Below your dentin is a hollow chamber that extends down into the canals of the tooth root.
This chamber is filled with pulp, a mix of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Because there’s such limited space within each tooth, inflammation caused by an infection in the pulp has nowhere to go and creates significant pain. A root canal clears out the infected pulp and protects the tooth with a new custom dental crown.
Knowing what to look for can help you know when to seek treatment for an infected tooth. Some of the signs you might need a root canal include:
If you notice any of these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam right away. Left on its own, an infected tooth won’t usually heal, and root canal is the commonly advised treatment option.
Imaging gives Dr. Ahuja in-depth information about your tooth and bone structure. Smile Daily Dentistry offers advanced X-rays, digital imaging, CT scanning, and CEREC® Primescan options.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll receive an injection of anesthetic to eliminate all sensations in the treatment area. Dr. Ahuja then creates a small opening in your tooth to gain access to the inner chamber. She uses a series of incredibly slim dental tools to remove all traces of pulp.
Once the chamber is cleared, she rinses it and fills it with a special material called gutta percha. She closes the access hole with a small filling and makes impressions to guide the fabrication of your new dental crown.
Dr. Ahuja then secures a temporary crown to protect the tooth until the permanent version arrives. At that point, she cements the new crown into place and the restoration is complete.
If you’d like to learn more about root canals and what to expect, call today to book a visit. Online scheduling is also an option and is fast and easy.