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Root Canal Therapy
Provided by the trusted dentists on the South Shore (Milton, MA)
When the nerve of a tooth is afflicted with infection or decay, root canal therapy is a way to save the tooth without having to remove it. This tends to be the treatment of choice, rather than removing a tooth altogether (extracting the problem tooth may in fact cause significant issues for adjacent teeth, and prove more costly in the end). While there are cases where the treated tooth may need other treatment some years down the line, root canals have a high success rate and tend to last a lifetime.
What are signs that I might need root canal therapy?
In some cases, swelling, tenderness, or a severe toothache may be symptoms for a condition requiring root canal therapy. Sensitivity to hot and cold may also be signs of a deeper dental issue. In some cases, an abscess (pimple) on the gums can be a sign that the area needs attention; in other cases, there may be no symptoms present, which is why we always recommend routine dental check-ups.
When is a condition serious enough for root canal therapy?
When a tooth has experienced a serious enough injury or trauma, the dentist may recommend root canal therapy. Other cases may involve infections or abscesses inside the tooth or at the root tip. If the tooth pulp (living tissue inside the tooth) has decayed, this may also require root canal therapy.
What can I expect when getting a root canal?
Patients may require one or more dental visits for a root canal procedure. The procedure, performed by a dentist or root canal specialist (endodontist), involves removing infected or decayed pulp from the tooth and filling the area with medicated materials.
Once the area is numbed, the tooth is kept dry and clear with a rubber dam (small sheet placed around tooth). Any decay is removed through an access opening specially made in the top of the tooth, including affected pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. Once the tooth is cleaned out completely, it is sealed with either a temporary or a permanent filling (depending on whether additional appointments are planned).
In a second appointment (a week or so later), special dental materials are used to fill and seal the roots and tooth cavity. A filling and crown is also placed to protect the tooth and help restore it to normal function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity until inflammation has gone down and the tooth has healed completely. Patients are provided with thorough instructions for care of the treated area; routine dental visits and good oral hygiene practices at home are encouraged to prolong the life of the root canal treatment.
Learn more about Root Canal therapy by contacting Dentist in Milton - the South Shore's trusted dentist for over 11 years. |
