Will A Root Canal Treatment Save My Tooth?

At its core, a root canal procedure is designed to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or infected. It involves removing the pulp – the soft tissue inside your tooth – which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

So why remove this vital part of your tooth? Well, when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks in the tooth, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause excruciating pain and even lead to an abscess if left untreated.

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

• Pain. It's often the first indication that something is wrong with your tooth. If you experience persistent, throbbing pain in your tooth, especially when chewing or applying pressure, it could be a sign that you may need a root canal.
• Sensitivity to temperature. Do you find yourself wincing in pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods? This heightened sensitivity can be another red flag for a potential root canal treatment.
• Swelling and tenderness. If you notice swelling around the affected tooth or feel tenderness in the surrounding gums, it could indicate an infection requiring a root canal procedure.
• Discoloration of the tooth. A discolored tooth may suggest that the nerve inside has been damaged due to decay or trauma, and a root canal might be necessary to save it.
• Persistent bad taste or odor. An unpleasant taste or odor coming from your mouth despite good oral hygiene practices can also point toward an infected tooth that needs attention through a root canal treatment.

The Steps Involved in a Root Canal Treatment

The steps involved in a root canal treatment are crucial for saving an infected or decayed tooth. This dental procedure is performed by a skilled dentist who specializes in endodontics – the branch of dentistry that focuses on treating issues affecting the inner portion of the tooth, known as the pulp.

To begin with, your dentist will start by numbing the area around the affected tooth using local anesthesia. This ensures that you feel little to no pain during the procedure. Once you are numb and comfortable, your dentist will create a small access hole in your tooth to reach its inner chamber.

Next, special tools called files are used to carefully remove any diseased or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The canals within the roots are also cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling material later on. This step is vital for eliminating bacteria and preventing reinfection.

After cleaning out all debris and thoroughly disinfecting the canals, your dentist will fill them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like substance seals off each canal and prevents further infection from occurring. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed while waiting for a permanent restoration, like a crown.

Once your root canal treatment is completed, it's important to follow up with your dentist for proper restoration of your tooth. Depending on its condition and location within your mouth, options such as dental crowns or fillings may be recommended to restore strength and functionality.

You can visit our office at 3550 S 5600 W #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, and get to know our team here. For bookings, call us at (801) 966-3166.