There’s an enamel on the outer layer of your teeth, the second layer of the dentin, and a soft tissue deep inside the root in your jawbone. The tissue houses the dental pulp, which comprises the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
When the soft tissue is infiltrated with disease or decay, the pulp can get infected or inflamed. To clean out the decay, a root canal is needed. A root canal is a dental procedure for cleaning out the decay in your tooth pulp and root.
Various signs indicate decay in the tooth pulp and require you to see your dentist to prevent further damage. Hence, we have provided this information and explained all you need to know about root canals in Florissant, MO.
Root Canal Therapy in Florissant
Root canal therapy is used to fix and save a tooth that is decayed, inflamed, or infected. Your tooth nerve can become irritated or infected due to decay, recurring dental procedures, or large fillings.
When observing a root canal treatment, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are extracted, and the pulp chamber is cleaned and sealed. When left untreated, the tissue surrounding the tooth becomes badly infected and can form an abscess.
Root canal therapy in Florissant, MO, ensures your natural tooth remains in place and prevents further decay. However, the procedure makes the tooth more fragile; hence a tooth that’s undergone a root canal is usually covered with a crown.
Why is it Necessary to Remove Tooth Pulp?
Damage in the tooth’s nerve or pulp causes it to break down and give room for increasing bacteria within the pulp chamber. The bacteria leads to infection or abscesses. An abscess occurs when the infection extends past the tooth roots forming a pus-filled pocket at the end.
An infection in the tooth can also result in:
- Swelling that may spread to other parts of the face, neck, or head
- Bone loss around the root tip
- Drainage issues extend outward from the root.
When Is a Root Canal Treatment Needed?
The best way to be certain if you need a root canal is to visit your dentist. However, there are several telltale signs to seek. If you notice any of these signs, you must see your dentist quickly. The faster you have your tooth examined, the better the treatment outcome. Watch out for the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or painful gums
- Prolonged tooth sensitivity, especially to heat or cold
- Deep decay or darkened gums
- Pimples on your gums
- Chipped or cracked teeth
Root Canal Procedure in Florissant
The root canal procedure is carried out in a dental office. When you arrive for your appointment, your dentist will walk you to the treatment room, help you get settled, and place a bib around your neck to prevent stains. Afterward, he carries out the following procedure:
Applying Local Anesthetic
Your dentist will smear the gum close to the affected tooth with a minor numbing medication. Once it takes effect, a local anesthetic will be injected into the gums. You may feel a burning sensation or a sharp pinch, but it will fade away quickly. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain.
Removing the Pulp
Your dentist will then make a small incision in the top of the tooth to expose the infected pulp. Afterward, the dentist will carefully remove it using some specific tools called files. They are mainly used to clean out all the canals in your tooth carefully.
Applying Antibiotics
After removing the pulp, your dentist may coat the area with an antibiotic to ensure that the infection is eradicated and prevent reinfection. Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, your dentist will ensure the tooth is filled and sealed with a sealer paste and gutta-percha.
Temporary Filling
The root canal procedure ends with your dentist filling the small incision in the top of the tooth with a temporary, soft material. This sealant prevents the canal from being damaged by saliva.
Root Canal Prevention
To avoid a root canal, you must maintain good oral hygiene habits that help prevent cavities and other tooth problems. To maintain healthy teeth, follow these steps:
- Brush your teeth every day, at least twice.
- Floss once a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride mouthwash
- Visit your dentist for check ups regularly.
- Get teeth cleaning treatment from your dentist at least once a year
- Reduce the intake of sugary food and refined carbohydrate
Following these dental habits to the letter will keep your teeth healthy and prevent some oral issues. However, if you notice any of the root canal symptoms explained above, request an appointment with us at Soft Touch Dental and get treated immediately.