Our natural teeth have two layers—enamel and dentine (gives the teeth its color). The dentine further contains a chamber called the pulp that houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. This pulp cavity or chamber extends from the tip to the crown of the teeth.
The pulp nourishes the teeth when they are in the development stage. However, as the teeth attain maturity, they are nourished by the surrounding tissues. Although it loses its function when the development is done, a pulp is still vital, and any infection can cause severe pain.
The pulp can get an infection due to tooth decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Once it is infected, it causes severe pain when chewing, lingering sensitivity, swollen and tender gums. Having a root canal treatment can help remove the infected pulp, alleviate the pain, and preserve the teeth.
The tooth canal procedure removes the infected pulp and reshaping the teeth. Since the pulp is removed, the teeth will be dead and brittle, and you will need a dental crown to restores the strength and function of the teeth.
The dentist can perform the root canal treatment in one or two dental visits depending on the severity. Our root canal specialist can, however, perform the procedure on the same dental visit. Using a high-tech rotary system, the dentist will clean out your pulp in a painless procedure.
The root canal therapy is done in several steps:
Root canal treatment is not painful as local anesthesia is used. If you suffer from severe gag reflex or have dental phobia, then our root canal specialist will use sedation to relax and make the procedure bearable. Several sedation dentistry options are available, and the dentist will choose a suitable one based on the severity of the gag reflex and dental phobia.
You should, however, expect discomfort and sensitivity after the procedure, but should clear up in a few days.
Yes, at times, the gums and teeth may develop spots because of internal bleeding. Fortunately, we have teeth whitening treatment that can help remove the stains.
The root canal infection will spread to the surrounding tissues. Furthermore, an abscess may form and further exacerbate the problem. The infection can also get to the bloodstream and cause widespread inflammation.
Not to mention, if the infection advanced, it can cause deterioration of the teeth and lead to extraction. Teeth removal is not as easy or fancy as some people may presume to be. Once the teeth are removed, they don’t grow back, meaning you will depend on the orthodontic treatment to replace your teeth and maintain proper dental appearance.
Yes. After the treatment, avoid eating spicy, chewy, and hard foods to avoid injuring the gums. Also, avoid smoking and alcohol because they impair the healing process. Use pain relievers as prescribed by the dentist to relieve pain.
If you have pain when chewing, lingering sensitivity, swollen and tender gums, you may have root canal infection. Visit Strickland Family Dentistry Sarasota, FL, for a fast and effective root canal therapy.