Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, our dentist removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.
Causes of an infected pulp could include:
If the infected pulp is not removed, besides pain and swelling, many dental issues may arise. Diseased pulp breaks down inside the pulp chamber and bacteria begins to multiply and spread. This bacteria can cause an infection. The spread of bacteria can also cause a pus-filled pocked called an abscess to form on the end of the tooth roots. Untreated diseased pulp can also cause swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or head. Infection in the root canal can cause bone loss around the tip of the tooth root. Your tooth may have to be removed.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.
Causes of an infected pulp could include:
- a deep cavity
- repeated dental procedures
- a cracked or broken tooth
- injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip)
If the infected pulp is not removed, besides pain and swelling, many dental issues may arise. Diseased pulp breaks down inside the pulp chamber and bacteria begins to multiply and spread. This bacteria can cause an infection. The spread of bacteria can also cause a pus-filled pocked called an abscess to form on the end of the tooth roots. Untreated diseased pulp can also cause swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or head. Infection in the root canal can cause bone loss around the tip of the tooth root. Your tooth may have to be removed.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.