An infected tooth can cause all kinds of problems for both your oral health and your overall well-being. If you have an infected tooth, it is important that you get treatment as soon as possible. We offer endodontic treatment, which involves treating the inner pulp and repairing infected teeth.
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A root canal is a common term used for a root canal treatment. Your real “root canals” are a part of your tooth. They make up the innermost portions of your teeth, which are hollow and house pulp. Nerves and blood vessels run through this soft tissue, which nourishes your teeth, keeping them alive and well. When this part of your tooth becomes infected, you require a root canal treatment where the diseased pulp is eliminated, and the root canal is cleaned and sealed. Unlike fillings or crowns that address damage to the outer layer of the tooth, root canal therapy works deeper, where there are nerves and soft tissues (commonly called the pulp). Infections typically occur when bacteria invade your tooth, often through an existing cavity but can also be the result of trauma, cracks, or repeated dental procedures.
Signs You May Need A Root Canal
When the pulp of the tooth is suffering from an infection, or is otherwise damaged, you may require a root canal.
How do you know if that kind of damage or if a tooth infection has occurred? For starters, look out for tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold, as those can be some of the first signs that a root canal may be indicated.
Pain can be a sign of a tooth infection or abscess, and that’s an issue you don’t want to ignore! An infection can spread and cause even more serious health problems. So whenever you have a toothache or other discomfort, you should visit our endodontists to be evaluated as soon as possible.
You may also need a root canal after an injury that has affected your teeth. When teeth are cracked or broken the damage can extend to the pulp of the tooth. In some cases, an injury or accident can damage the pulp of the tooth even when there are no external signs of damage.
That’s why you should always visit your dentist after an accident that affects the mouth or jaw — to make sure there’s no damage you can’t spot with the naked eye.
What is Root Canal Surgery?
The most common surgery is called an apicoectomy or root-end resection. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The inflamed tissue and small root end are both removed and the remaining root on the tooth receives a filling to prevent re-infection. The gum is then sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months to a year and restores the tooth to function.
What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked teeth have a variety of symptoms, including pain when chewing, pain on release after biting, or temperature sensitivity. Pain can be intermittent, making it difficult to diagnose the source of discomfort. Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces and lead to damage of the pulp resulting in infection.
Traumatic Injuries
If your tooth has been completely knocked out or removed from its socket, we can return it to the socket and stabilize it. In a week or so, we may recommend medication, as well as a root canal, to ensure the tooth remains strong and healthy. Remember, when your tooth is knocked out you need to keep the tooth moist, so place it in a glass of milk, or water (with a pinch of salt), or if possible, back into your socket.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Root canals get a bad reputation. Like any dental procedure, we know root canals can be a little uncomfortable. But a lot of that discomfort stems from fear about the procedure, rather than the procedure itself.
That’s why we do everything we can to put you at ease, before, during, and after your root canal procedure. And if you’re still anxious, we have sedation options available to make sure you stay calm and comfortable.
Ultimately, root canal treatment is a lot less painful than the tooth pain you’ll experience without treating the issue!
Choosing a Root Canal vs. Extraction
When deciding whether to undergo a root canal or a dental extraction, there are a number of factors to consider.
An extraction can bring immediate relief to the problem of tooth pain and can stop the infection from spreading. But an extraction also has downsides. After bringing relief to the immediate issue, you now need to address the missing tooth. Leaving a space where a tooth used to be can cause a variety of problems, including other teeth shifting out of alignment and even bone loss. So choosing extraction may mean needing a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth.
That’s why, when possible, it’s often preferable to save the natural tooth — and root canals are one of the tools for doing that. While a root canal may be more involved at first, saving your natural tooth means avoiding the problems associated with a missing tooth, and not needing additional follow-up treatments.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
After root canal therapy, the tooth that’s been treated may be sensitive and more fragile. To help protect the tooth, and to make sure you can eat and drink your favorite foods and beverages (even hot coffee and cold ice cream) sometimes a crown is required.
Here at Mid-Peninsula Dental, we’ll make sure you understand your entire treatment plan before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is endodontics, and why might I need it?
Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the treatment of the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. When it becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, injury, or other factors, endodontic treatment is necessary to save the tooth and alleviate pain.
One of the most common endodontic procedures is a root canal, which involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. If you’re experiencing persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling around a tooth, you may need endodontic treatment to preserve your oral health and avoid tooth extraction.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Several signs and symptoms might indicate the need for a root canal. Persistent tooth pain is a primary indicator, especially if it worsens when you bite or apply pressure. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the source is removed is another common symptom. You might also notice swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums, or a small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth.
In some cases, the tooth may become discolored. However, it’s crucial to note that not all tooth problems exhibit clear symptoms, so regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a dental specialist like those at Mid Peninsula Dental Specialists in Los Altos, CA, to determine if a root canal or other endodontic treatment is necessary.
What can I expect during and after a root canal procedure
During a root canal procedure, you’ll first receive a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a comfortable experience. The dentist will then create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected or inflamed pulp. Using specialized instruments, they will carefully remove the pulp, clean and shape the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal the space with a biocompatible material. The entire process typically takes one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the case.
After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-procedure care instructions and attend any follow-up appointments to ensure the tooth heals properly. Most patients find that any discomfort subsides within a few days, and they can return to their normal activities without issue.
Are there any alternatives to a root canal?
While a root canal is often the preferred method for saving a tooth with infected or damaged pulp, there are alternatives depending on the severity and specific circumstances of the condition.
One alternative is tooth extraction, which involves removing the affected tooth entirely. However, this option may lead to further complications, such as shifting teeth, bite problems, or the need for a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap.
Another less common alternative is pulp capping, which involves placing a protective dressing over a small area of exposed pulp to encourage healing. This option is only viable in certain cases where the pulp is not already infected, such as when a cavity or dental trauma damages the outer layers of the tooth, but leaves the pulp unexposed.
Ultimately, the best course of action should be determined by a qualified dental professional after a thorough examination. The experienced team at Mid Peninsula Dental Specialists can help guide you through your options and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your situation, ensuring you receive the best possible care for your dental health.
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