By Madsen Lake
Root canal therapy is an effective restorative procedure for teeth when normal dental fillings do not provide relief. Severely decayed teeth with pulpal involvement cause a series of painful symptoms that can be debilitating.
Root canal treatments for pain in the tooth in Parkland, FL, involve removal of the entire pulp and replacing it with a permanent filling and dental crown.
An introduction to root canal treatment (RCT)
Root canal treatment, also known as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the entire inflamed or infected pulp from the canals. The pulp is a mass of connective tissue present in the center part of the tooth.
The canal is then cleaned and disinfected, filled with a biocompatible material, and sealed to prevent reinfection.
Who needs root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the bacteria spreads to the pulp from an untreated dental cavity.
Signs you need a root canal therapy include:
- Severe pain in the tooth that does not go away
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen gums
- Swollen jaw
- Pus discharge from the gums near the affected tooth (abscess)
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Loose tooth
What are the steps involved in root canal treatment?
Root canal therapy involves three important steps that are performed in one to two sessions.
Cleaning the root canal
- Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth.
- A rubber dam will be used to isolate the tooth from excess moisture and saliva.
- An access opening is made on the surface of the tooth.
- The tooth, along with the root canals, are cleaned to remove all the debris and bacteria.
Filling the root canal
- Your dentist will clean, shape, and decontaminate the canals using tiny files and irrigating solutions.
- The tooth is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and an adhesive cement is used to seal everything together.
Fixing a crown
- The tooth is completely dead and free from infection.
- But, it may not be functional since it is fragile and prone to fracture if forces are exerted on it.
- To overcome this problem, prevent reinfection, and restore the tooth aesthetically, your dentist will fabricate a customized crown.
- Full mouth impressions will be taken to fabricate the crown.
- The crown will be placed when you come for the next visit.
Conclusion
Experiencing tooth pain and swelling can be distressing and sometimes scary to know something is seriously wrong with your tooth. Fortunately, root canal treatments come to your rescue by eliminating the infection and providing relief so you can get back to your normal life.
