When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, root canal therapy can eliminate the bacteria. Dentists remove the pulp, clean, and disinfect the tooth in question. For many patients, a root canal can save teeth that may otherwise require extraction.
Generally, tooth infections occur due to broken teeth, untreated cavities, and gum disease. When enamel and dentin can no longer protect the pulp, bacteria may get through. Infected teeth present with pain, temperature and pressure sensitivity, bad breath, and sometimes fever and swelling.
To understand the damage infections cause, patients may need to understand the role of the tooth pulp. The pulp is the living element of the tooth. Underneath enamel and layers of dentin, the pulp is a jelly-like substance in the tooth's core.
The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, specialized cells, and connective tissue. Its main purpose is to nourish the tooth and create dentin. The nerves in the pulp allow people to sense damage and to register changes in temperature and pressure. It also keeps the dentin layer healthy by providing moisture and nutrients.
The pulp itself is within the pulp chamber and root canal. The chamber is the hollow center, whereas the root canal extends to the root. Severe damage to the pulp destroys the nerve and blood supply.
An infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the gums and jaw bone. The bacterial infection may cause an abscess or pocket of pus to form beneath the tooth. Without dental help, patients may treat the symptoms of infection but not the infection itself. Ice packs can reduce inflammation, and antibiotics can temporarily treat the infection and prevent its spread.
The infection can eat away at the tooth and damage the bone. When the infection destroys too much of the remaining healthy tooth structure, the only option is extraction.
During root canal therapy, the dentist creates an opening in the tooth's crown. With the use of small instruments, they clean and shape the root canals and pulp chamber. Dentists typically then use a biocompatible, rubber-like material to seal the root canals.
The patient may receive a temporary filling after the first visit and a permanent crown or other restorative procedure in a second appointment. A dentist may install a post to hold the tooth in place for teeth with moderate structural damage.
Infected tooth pulp cannot heal itself. Chronic infection may lead to pulp necrosis or the death of the pulp. Some teeth with pulp necrosis can still be saved with a root canal. If a dentist does not remove a patient's infection with a root canal, the tooth progressively becomes worse until removal is necessary.
Patients who undergo root canal therapy may retain the ability to eat normally using natural teeth. Saving adult teeth prevents bone loss, preserves bite force, and protects the natural face shape.
Request an appointment here: https://www.millarfamilydentistry.com or call Millar Family Dentistry at (817) 885-5214 for an appointment in our Weatherford office.
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