Root Canal Therapy - Endodontics
Root canals, also referred to as endodontic treatments, are needed when the soft tissue or dental pulp inside the canal of your tooth becomes infected or decayed. If left untreated, the infection will cause pain and inflammation eventually make the tooth so unstable that it will fall out. This is why our experienced cosmetic dentists continually educate our patients in the Lansing area about the dangers of tooth infections and decay.
The basic root canal or endodontic therapy is done using the steps that follow:
- The decayed dental pulp is removed
- The canal inside the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that there are no more bacteria or decayed materials
- The canal is filled with a composite resin or metal filling and resealed
- If the tooth is still unstable or looks unsightly, a crown may be placed over it to further reinforce it and improve its appearance
The whole root canal procedure should only take one to two office visits, depending on the number of teeth affected and the severity of the infection and decay. You should also expect your mouth to be sore for a few days following the procedure.
Root Canal Treatment & Dental Infections
When the body experiences infection, it sends white blood cells to the area to kill the bacteria. This great number of white blood cells in one area causes the surrounding tissue to become red and swollen. If this infection happens inside a tooth, the swelling causes the tooth nerve to become compressed, as the canal cannot widen. The tooth nerve then dies from lack of blood circulation, and the infection continues. This infection (tooth abscess) spreads to the bone and tissue around the tooth.
When a tooth is infected, it requires endodontic treatment or root canal therapy. The dentist removes the tooth nerve and all decayed material completely, and replaces it with a sealing material. If the infection is not cleaned out from the tooth, it may spread and become a life threatening problem. After the nerve is removed, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to strengthen it. The tooth now will not feel any pain, without its nerve, and this does not matter because its job is to chew, and there are still nerves in the surrounding gum tissue.
Some signs that you may be experiencing a endodontic infection are:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Pain in biting or chewing
- Spontaneous tooth pain
- Severe or throbbing pain
- Pain with change in atmospheric pressure
- Swelling in the face or jaw
If you suspect that you have an infection, contact your dentist immediately!!!
Root Canal Therapy & Pulpal Damage
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to remove infection or damage that involves the nerve, blood vessels, or pulp of a tooth.
The most common causes of pulpal damage are:
- Tooth Decay - severe tooth decay that spreads deeply into the tooth
- Trauma - a direct blow to a tooth
Common Symptoms of Pulpal Damage:
- Pain in biting or chewing
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
Post-Operative Care Following a Root Canal
After your root canal therapy is completed, changes in your tooth may occur:
- Brittleness - because the inside of the tooth has been cleaned out and the tooth may be more prone to breaking
- Discoloration - the tooth is now dead and may change in color to a light shade of gray
" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "
If you are located in the Lansing, Michigan area and have been experiencing pain and inflammation in any of your teeth, you should contact us today. During your consultation, one of our experienced cosmetic dentists, Dr. DiStefano or Dr. Nguyen can examine you thoroughly, determine the cause of your discomfort, and tell you if a root canal is necessary.
