A root canal is a dental procedure performed to remove infected pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp chamber is located inside the tooth and contains the nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. A root canal is necessary when an infection has developed inside the tooth and affected the pulp.
During a root canal, our dentist at Dental Health Center removes the nerve and pulp of the tooth and cleans and seals the inside of the tooth to protect it from further damage. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected, and an abscess may form. The infection can spread to the bone around the tooth and cause pain.
The Root Canal Procedure
Before the procedure starts, local anesthesia is used to numb the area and prevent you from feeling pain or discomfort. Next, the dentist makes an opening in the top of your tooth to access the diseased or damaged pulp. The dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals using specialized instruments called root canal files. The files are used to clean and shape the canals, removing any debris or bacteria.
Once cleaned and shaped, the canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material is placed in the canals to seal them, preventing recontamination and further infection. The tooth is often weakened after the root canal procedure and may require additional support. The dentist in Rexburg, ID may recommend placing a dental crown over the treated tooth to restore its strength, protect it from further damage, and provide a natural restoration.
The Purposes of Root Canal Treatment
Remove InfectionWhen the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. The infection can occur due to deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks or fractures in the tooth, or trauma. The root canal procedure aims to remove the infected pulp, eliminating the source of infection and relieving pain.
Preserves the Natural Tooth
The primary goal of a root canal is to save the natural tooth from extraction. Preserving the natural tooth is beneficial for several reasons. It helps maintain proper chewing function and allows for normal biting, helps maintain the alignment of adjacent teeth, and helps prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments like dental implants or bridges.
Root canal treatment is often performed when a tooth is causing significant pain or sensitivity. The infected pulp inside the tooth can lead to intense toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling, and even dental abscess formation. By removing the infected pulp and resolving the underlying infection, root canal therapy can provide relief from pain and discomfort.
The purpose of a root canal is to save the tooth from extraction and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with an infected tooth. Visit Dental Health Center at 56 Professional Plaza, Rexburg, ID 83440, or call (208) 356-9262 to learn more about the benefits of root canals.