What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that salvages an infected tooth. In decades past, a root canal was a significant source of dread for many, but today’s tools and techniques make root canals safe, effective, and painless.
The interior of your tooth is a hollow chamber filled with a soft tissue called pulp. Your pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. If that pulp becomes infected, there’s no way to cure the infection without removing all traces of pulp, which is the focus of a root canal.
Several things can cause infection, including deep decay, multiple dental procedures on one tooth, or a cracked or chipped tooth. Even a tooth injury that creates no visible damage can trigger an infection.
What are some signs a root canal is necessary?
In some cases, there are no symptoms. Often, however, your body will send distinct signs that a tooth is infected. These include:
- Heightened sensitivity to heat or cold
- Facial swelling
- Tooth discoloration
- Drainage
- Pain in the area around the tooth
Any time you notice changes in your teeth or gums, you should schedule a diagnostic exam to find answers and explore treatment options.
What happens during a root canal?
The team at Laser Dental Group begins by gathering images of the infected tooth and surrounding structures. A local anesthetic helps you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you’re numb, your dentist isolates the tooth with a dental dam.
Next, they create a small access hole in the crown of your tooth. That allows your dentist to use a series of tiny instruments called files to remove all traces of pulp and shape the interior surface of the tooth.
A cutting-edge biocompatible filling material is used to fill the prepared chamber before a temporary filling covers the access hole. Following a recovery period, you will return for the placement of a permanent restoration.
Once the new crown is cemented into place, your restoration is complete. Simply continue a good oral hygiene routine and avoid placing the crown (or your natural teeth) under undue stress by biting down on hard items or grinding your teeth.
To learn more about laser Dental Group’s approach to root canals, schedule a visit today online or by phone.
