Root Canal
If you think you have an infected tooth or root infection, you might need a root canal from the caring professionals at Two Rivers Family Dentistry.
Root Canal Treatment | Lisbon Dentist Providing Root Canals | Root Infection
Root Canal to Treat Tooth Infection
What Causes Someone to Need a Root Canal?
If you have a tooth that has become damaged and/or infected, it might be necessary to perform a root canal to help prevent the need to remove the tooth altogether. While root canals have a reputation for being painful, the procedure is far less intrusive (and painful) than it was in the past thanks to advances in dental technology.
The middle of a tooth is known as the dental pulp, and it’s full of soft tissue, such as blood vessels and nerves. If a broken tooth allows bacteria to enter the pulp, tooth decay can set in quickly. Bacteria combined with rotting dental tissue can lead to infections, or make existing infections worsen. This can cause the pulp to die, which can result in bone loss, an abscess, or even tooth loss.
Root canals are an alternative to tooth extraction and dental implants, and can often help save badly damaged, infected teeth. The process involves your dentist cleaning out the root of the infected tooth, then placing a crown over it to protect the tooth from any further damage.
Some symptoms of tooth and root infection include:
- Swollen gums
- Toothache
- A hole in the tooth
- Swelling of the face and/or throat
- Temperature sensitivity
What to Expect During a Root Canal
Root canals will typically involve two visits to Two Rivers Family Dentistry. At the first appointment, your dentist will take X-rays to diagnose the extent of the damage to your tooth pulp. Then, on the day of the procedure, your dentist will administer an anesthetic, so you don’t experience pain during the root canal. Next, your dentist will remove the diseased pulp, and the canals and pulp chamber will be carefully emptied and cleaned.
Once any infected tissue has been removed from the tooth, it will usually be given time to drain before receiving either a filling or a permanent crown. Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin. Your dentist will walk you through the pros and cons of each type of material and help you choose the material best suited to your needs.
In some cases, a metal post is then anchored in the tooth to support the crown. Finally, the tooth is filled with a mix of dental materials to protect it against further infection.
Post-Root Canal Care
Once the dental crown has been permanently seated to your root-canaled tooth, your dentist will check your bite at our Lisbon office.
