root canal
Inside your teeth is a soft material called pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. If this pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe tooth pain. In some cases, that infection might require root canal therapy.
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What Is a Root Canal?
relief from root canal pain in Washington, DC
Nerves enter at the tip of the tooth’s roots and run through the center of the tooth in small, thin root canals, which join up in the pulp chamber. Each tooth has at least one root canal, but may contain more. Injury or trauma to a tooth may cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected; eventually, the pulp may die. Damaged or dead pulp leads to increased blood flow and cellular activity, creating pressure inside the tooth that cannot be relieved. This may result in pain when biting down or chewing with the affected tooth, or when consuming hot or cold drinks. Without treatment, the infection may spread, the bone around the tooth may degenerate, and the tooth may fall out.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove damaged or dead pulp. After the pulp chamber and root canal are cleaned out and reshaped, the canal is filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta percha to prevent recontamination, and the tooth is permanently sealed. Treatment usually involves one to three appointments. After cleaning and reshaping, the dentist may seal the tooth with a temporary crown or leave it open to drain or fill the canals, depending on the tooth’s condition. A topical medication also may be applied in the area to fight bacteria.
Temporary fillings will be removed on subsequent visits. If the tooth is still weak after the pulp chamber and canal are filled, a metal post or fiber-reinforced resin post may be used to reinforce the tooth. Finally, the area is permanently sealed, and usually, a gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or ceramic crown is placed over the tooth to reinforce its structure and improve its appearance. It’s always best to keep your original tooth if possible, and root canal therapy allows you to do so.
How Will I Feel After Root Canal Treatment?
Tissue inflammation in the area of the root canal may cause some discomfort. This usually can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Aftercare includes maintaining regular visits with your dentist, brushing and flossing your teeth, and avoiding chewing hard foods with the treated tooth.
Complications with Root Canal Treatment
On rare occasions, new infections may occur. This happens for a variety of reasons, including an undetected crack in the root of the tooth, a defective restoration or the breakdown of an inner sealing material. In these cases, additional follow-up and treatment may be necessary.
Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
The only alternative to root canal therapy is
extraction of the infected tooth. This can eventually cause the surrounding teeth to move, which may result in a bad bite that ultimately requires an
implant or
bridge. It’s always best to keep your original tooth if possible, and root canal therapy allows you to do so.
Maintain a Healthy Smile With Root Canal Therapy
If you're looking to relieve dental pain,
contact DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry
today. Our experienced team can help to determine if root canal therapy is the right treatment for you, and can help you restore your dental health. We are committed to providing exceptional patient care to residents of the Washington, DC
area, and we look forward to helping you too! Ask us about root canal therapy so that you can start smiling again as soon as possible.
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