What is a Root Canal?
Root canal is a dental treatment carried out to repair either tooth decay or tooth infection where the pulp of the tooth, composed of nerves, blood tissues and connective tissue, becomes inflamed or infected. During a root canal the pulp of the tooth is removed and the canals are both cleaned and sealed to prevent bacteria.
Dentists at Aliso Niguel Dental Group are highly skilled and qualified in performing root canals.
When is a Root Canal necessary?
A root canal becomes necessary when symptoms begin to interfere with a person’s daily activities affecting their day to day lives. Symptoms that indicate nerve or pulp damage vary from patient to patient. More common symptoms of acquiring root canal treatment are; a toothache causing prolonged sensitivity when consuming hot or cold liquids or foods, sometimes accompanied by headaches. An abscess may cause swelling or bleeding around the tooth or surrounding parts.
Damage to the pulp or nerve of the tooth requires a root canal and can occur for a number of reasons including;
Abscess (infection): an infection causing pockets of pus to form around the end of the root causing complete damage of the pulp. Antibiotics may prevent the infection from spreading but a root canal is necessary to prevent onset of further dental issues.
Deep cavity: where tooth decay extends deep into the cavity causing the pulp to become infected with bacteria and resulting in the formation of decayed tissue at the end of the root.
Dental Trauma: traumatic incident where a tooth has been knocked out with great force causing the nerves and pulp of the tooth to be damaged.
Root canal treatment is an effective procedure facilitating appropriate dental health and functionality for an effective period of time. We are committed in providing patients with a detailed overview of the potential benefits and possible consequences of having a root canal.
How is a Root Canal procedure performed?
At Aliso Niguel Dental Group a few dental visits are recommended to determine whether or not root canal treatment is necessary. Dental x-rays are necessary to identify the root canals and any underlying infections surrounding the bone. Numbing the area through local anesthesia is essential in ensuring our patients undergo a pain-free procedure. The procedure consists of placing a rubber dam over the tooth to keep the area dry from saliva overflow. Subsequently, a hole is drilled into the affected tooth and the pulp along with the bacteria is removed from the canals and the canals are cleansed with sodium hypochlorite. If an infection is present in the tooth, a medication may be placed inside to clear it with a temporary filling placed in the hole until the tooth is ready for the sealing process. During the next visit, the canals of the affected tooth are filled with paste and a rubber compound known as gutta-percha,a permanent filling is applied to seal the opening of the tooth. Restoration services are essential to prevent the tooth from further damage; this may include the placement of a crown to protect the tooth after a root canal.
Symptoms of discomfort and tooth sensitivity are common following the completion of root canal treatment and can be treated with over-the- counter medications.