A root canal treatment procedure helps to eliminate bacteria from a patient’s infected root canal, prevent reinfection, and in the end, save a patient’s natural tooth. When you undergo a root canal in Fairfield County, CT, your dental professional will remove the infected or inflamed pulp, and then carefully clean out and disinfect the interior of the tooth. Afterward, they seal and fill the tooth to help maintain its integrity.
Although a root canal can sound intimidating, it is a viable alternative to losing a diseased or damaged tooth. The procedure is performed on millions of patients every year and can both relieve tooth pain and restore a tooth to its healthy state. Underneath the white enamel and inside your tooth is dentin, which is a hard layer, then pulp, a soft tissue. The pulp contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. They help the tooth’s root grow while it is developing. After it has developed, the tooth depends on the pulp to nourish the tissues surrounding it. A root canal is similar to having a filling, and typically only takes one - maybe two - appointments, depending on the severity of the damage or disease.
A root canal is meant to restore a tooth to its pre-diseased or pre-damaged condition. The advantages of having a root canal are:
● It protects surrounding teeth from excessive wear
● Provides a natural tooth appearance
● It aids in efficient chewing
● Provides normal biting and sensation
Root canals are accompanied by anesthesia and aren’t any more painful than other dental procedures like having a filling. After the procedure, patients typically report being sore or numb, and there are times when you can experience pain for several days after.
Root canals are necessary for anything from genetic deformities to injuries to diseased teeth. Patients will typically experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or pain when they need a root canal. Other symptoms of needing a root canal are:
● Pimples on your gums
● Severe pain when biting and chewing
● Cracked or chipped tooth
● Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures even after the sensation is removed
● Darkening of the gums or deep decay
The only way to know for sure whether a root canal is warranted is to have your dental professional assess the tooth in question. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to make an appointment for an evaluation. Whether or not a root canal is an answer to your tooth issue, it does need to be evaluated as soon as possible. Contact our office to schedule your exam today!
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