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When most people think of root canal therapy they often associate it with unbearable pain and discomfort. In reality, however, root canal therapy is a procedure used to remove diseased pulp tissue from the interior of a tooth, thus relieving the pain caused by the infection. Root canal therapy allows you to keep your tooth and stop the pain, when the only other option to treating the diseased tooth is extraction. Each tooth's nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture, bacteria to seeps in and the tooth can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes an increased blood flow and cellular activity, in which pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold foods and drinks. In order for your tooth to heal, a root canal is necessary. Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy There are certain signs that may indicate that you have a diseased tooth or infected nerve that needs to be relieved with root canal therapy. Some common signs include: * Minimal to severe pain that persists for several days
* Tooth discoloration
* Swelling and irritation in the surrounding gum tissue
* Signs of infection visible on a radiograph A root canal is typically recommended by your dentist in order to save the affected tooth and preserve its functionality. A tooth can become inflamed or infected for several reasons, including severe tooth decay or a crack or chip in the tooth. Restorations that fail, including dental fillings and dental crowns can be a breeding ground to bacterial leakage into the dental pulp. Once infected, the dental pulp begins to die and the body's inflammatory responses set in. The combination of infection and inflammation can cause significant pain, with the end result of a toothache. Root Canal Therapy Procedure At the beginning of your procedure, your dentist will give you an anesthetic in order to prevent pain while performing the treatment. A drill is then used to access the pulp chamber and associated canals of the tooth. Your dentist will delicately cleanse the length of the canals and tip of the root in order to completely remove infection and debris. This process is performed with a great deal of care and delicacy in order to minimize damage or trauma to the surrounding ligaments and bone. Next, your dentist will disinfect and seal the tooth. Your dentist will also fill the canal's access hole with a permanent filling in order to allow for healing. With the latest in technological advancements in dentistry today, treatment is more enhanced and allows for minimal to no discomfort during your procedure. Contact your dentist in Jacksonville if you are experiencing tooth pain. With a proper consultation your dentist will be able to assess your tooth and determine if root canal therapy is needed to relieve your pain.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Siamac Mashod, leading Jacksonville dentist. Dr. Mashod received his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also maintains memberships in several prestigious associations including the American Dental Association. Offering services in veneers, teeth whitening, and implants in Jacksonville, Dr. Mashod is committed to providing patients with the best quality care available.
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