Living With Healthy Hunger Health Blog
Your teeth have different layers of soft tissue. The tooth pulp is where tissue forms and keeps the tissue healthy. When the pulp sustains damage, the whole tooth is in danger. If decay reaches the root of your tooth and threatens the pulp, you may need to undergo root canal therapy to preserve the impacted tooth. Your Scottsdale dentist will determine if this treatment is necessary.
When You Cannot Avoid Root Canal Therapy
You need to know how root canal therapy works and understand the basics so you can prepare for the procedure. It is important to go through this procedure if your dental infection has penetrated the root of your tooth. You will get X-rays to diagnose the problem. However, you may also experience other symptoms, such as swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, darker color inside your affected tooth, and severe toothache.
In addition, when the tooth root is decaying, an abscess can develop in the nearby gum tissue and bone. When this happens, you will have a swollen jaw or neck, bitter taste, bad breath, and fever. To get a proper diagnosis, you must go to your dentist and get a root canal treatment when necessary.
The Procedure
During your root canal procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic so you don’t feel pain. Then, the dentist will get rid of decayed tissue from your tooth, creating an opening to its root. A special tool is used for removing the pulp and cleaning the root. Then, antibiotics are applied to the root to ensure no further infection will develop. At the end of your root canal procedure, your dentist will seal the root using a dental material and apply a tougher material on the tooth’s chewing surface to replace the enamel and dentin you lost.
Dental Crown Placement
During your therapy, your dentist may need to remove a large amount of tissue, which weakens your tooth. To preserve the tooth, a customized dental crown is placed on the tooth to restore its form and function. This crown mimics the original tooth’s texture, color, and shape. It offers the tooth anatomical structure and support.
What Happens After the Procedure
After root canal therapy, you should not chew on the affected tooth until your dentist has placed the permanent restoration. Should your temporary filling material dislodge, call your dentist to get a replacement until your tooth is ready to get a permanent restoration.
You may experience soreness and discomfort in the treated tooth, but this should disappear after a few days. Also, you can treat this with pain medications.
