If your tooth has an infected or damaged pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary. This treatment removes the infection and protects your tooth from further damage.
In most cases, Root Canal treatment Atlanta GA is very effective at preserving the structure and function of the tooth. However, some complications may occur during the procedure.
Tooth Infection
In the center of each tooth is a root that extends into the bone of your jaw. It also contains dental pulp, which extends from the crown of your tooth to the end of its root.
A root canal is necessary when dental X-rays show that your tooth’s pulp has been damaged by bacteria. This will result in pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
It is important to seek treatment as soon as you experience any of these signs because a root canal infection can spread and cause other health complications. For example, an infected tooth can cause a pocket of pus to form at its tip, which is known as a dental abscess.
Damaged Pulp
When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can cause intense pain and inflammation. The pulp is part of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and arteries.
In a healthy tooth, the enamel and dentin layers protect the pulp from infection. However, tooth decay or injury can break these protective layers, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp chamber and cause infection and swelling.
A dentist can diagnose damaged pulp by examining your symptoms, performing a clinical exam and X-rays, and determining whether the condition is reversible or irreversible. If it is reversible, your dentist will treat the underlying issue to resolve the pain and sensitivity.
If it is irreversible, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp and prevent further decay. Then, the pulp tissue is replaced with a filling or crown to restore your tooth’s health and function. If the damage is severe, your dentist may also recommend extraction of the affected tooth.
Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the soft center of a tooth, called the pulp, is infected or diseased. This contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Root Canal treatment atlanta GA involves drilling a hole into the tooth and removing the infected pulp. The space is then filled with a sealer paste and a rubber compound called gutta percha to prevent further infection.
This procedure is painless, unlike some dental procedures that can be traumatic and uncomfortable. Patients can return to their regular activities soon after the procedure.
A specialist, called an endodontist, is trained to perform endodontic treatment. They are dentists who have completed two additional years of study and specialized training in treating teeth with deep roots and intricate canals.
A successful root canal treatment can save a damaged or infected tooth, avoiding the need for extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant. However, the treated tooth may require future restoration by a dentist. New trauma, decay, cracks that extend into the root, or long-standing or chronic infections are some of the factors that may lead to a tooth needing re-treatment after it has been successfully endodontically treated.
Root Canals
Root canal treatment is a procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from the inside of your tooth. It usually saves your natural tooth at North Atlanta family dentistry.
The pulp is found under the white enamel and a hard layer of dentin. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Damaged or infected pulp can cause severe pain in your tooth. It can also produce swelling and pus in your gums.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to get a root canal treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, the infection can spread and lead to bigger problems such as bone loss.
In the past, root canals were painful, but thanks to dental advances and local anesthetics, they are now relatively painless. Most patients feel no more pain after root canals than they would with a filling, and have no trouble biting or chewing.
