If you have recently been told that you should see a root canal dentist, we can explain why and we can also help. If you are experiencing discomfort, swelling, bleeding, and pus build up in or around a tooth, you most likely need immediate endodontic treatment, also known as root canal therapy. These symptoms are signs of a serious infection. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may also have a tooth abscess. Both infections and a tooth abscess can lead to detrimental long-term side effects as well as the potential loss of your tooth.
Your Tooth Structure:
Your tooth is made up of the visible area of your tooth called the crown and the area of your tooth located under your gums called the root. Inside the tooth and root system is a compilation of tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. This is called your dental pulp.
Why You Have an Infection:
There are many reasons why you could have developed an infection. One of the common suspects is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. When gum disease develops, it puts a strain on your entire dental structure. In this case, bacteria would have compromised your gums and in turn, your teeth due to improper oral hygiene. Periodontal disease can cause discomfort, swelling, bleeding, and tooth loss. If it is not treated, it can affect even more of your teeth. Since it starts near the root, it can ease its way into tiny passageways called accessory canals and then into the root of your tooth leading to an infected dental pulp and the need to see a root canal dentist.
Infections can also get inside of your tooth if you have a crack or break that was not treated or that was treated poorly with a faulty filling or crown. Decay and bacteria seep into the crack and infect your dental pulp.
A root and pulp infection can also result from untreated dental caries. As it affects your tooth, it can gradually enter the interior of your roots and start a dangerous deterioration process. Fortunately, our root canal dentist office can remove the infection and save your tooth.
The Treatment:
Simply stated, during your root canal treatment, we will remove the infection and the infected pulp from your root canal. If any pus has developed, we will also get rid of that. We will gently but thoroughly clean the inside of your tooth to ensure no bacteria is left. Following the removal of the problem, we will fill in your root with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance that will help to maintain the working order of your tooth. We will seal your tooth with quality, durable materials to ensure the future health of it.
Following your treatment, your tooth should work like normal again. If any cosmetic damage has occurred, we can remedy that as well. Our root canal dentist office can save your tooth by removing the infection and fixing the damage. It is important to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible to ensure the proper working order of your dental structure for years to come and our treatments allow you to do so.