When a tooth becomes infected due to decay, the dentist may perform a “root canal” to remove the infection and protect the tooth’s health. At North End Dental, the dentist will begin the process by drilling into the tooth and removing the infected pulp. They will then use special tools to reshape and fill the tooth to prevent further damage. A crown is often placed on top of the tooth to provide extra protection and strength and restore function. Once the treatment is complete, your tooth should function again and no longer feel sensitive to hot or cold temperatures or pain when biting down. Root canals are a standard procedure to save an infected or damaged tooth from extraction. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Signs That You May Need a Root Canal
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth that worsens over time
- Sensitivity to temperature or touch
- Cracking or chipping of the tooth
- Pain when you bite down or chew food
- Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- The presence of persistent bad breath that won’t go away with brushing and flossing
- An abscessed tooth, occurs when bacteria become trapped under your gums and cause an infection
- Jaw pain
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is needed when the inner tooth tissue has become infected or damaged. This can happen due to a deep cavity or a crack in the tooth that reaches the root of the tooth. Without treatment, the infection could spread and cause more severe problems. Over time, the damaged tooth could cause pain when biting and chewing. It could also become too painful to bite down on at all.
A dental crown may be needed if a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling. However, if the damage is severe enough to destroy all of the inner tooth structure, then the tooth will be too damaged to support a restoration such as a filling or crown. In such cases, a root canal is often the best option for saving the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the tooth’s inflamed or infected inner area to clean and disinfect it. After cleaning it, we will fill the tooth with an inert material called gutta-percha. The tooth will then be restored with a post and a dental crown. Afterward, the tooth should function properly like other teeth in your mouth.
A root canal treatment can prevent future infection of the tooth. For more information, visit North End Dental at 1705 N Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, or call (719) 471-1900.
