What are root canals?
Root canal therapy is a procedure that treats a decayed, infected, or damaged tooth. It involves removing the damaged tissue inside of the tooth (known as the pulp) and filling the space with special dental materials.
Root canal therapy enables Dr. Boado to restore your damaged tooth without having to extract it entirely. When you extract your tooth to treat damage or infection, it gets rid of the damage, but it can also cause problems for your adjacent teeth and be more costly in the long run.
Although teeth treated with root canal therapy occasionally need to be retreated if they get reinfected, root canals are usually highly successful and last a lifetime.
When do I need a root canal?
You likely need a root canal if you’re suffering from any of the following conditions:
- Tooth decay that’s reached your tooth pulp (the living tissue within your tooth)
- Infection inside your tooth or an abscess that’s developed at your root tip
- Injury or trauma to your tooth that’s damaged your tooth pulp
Having root canal therapy in these circumstances can restore your tooth and your oral health to optimal levels.
What are the signs and symptoms that I need a root canal?
Some of the indications that you might need root canal therapy include:
- Swelling and/or tenderness in your gums
- Severe toothache
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- An abscess or small pimple on your gums
- Pus around your gum line
- A tooth that’s darker or discolored
Sometimes, however, a damaged or infected tooth doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to maintain regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Boado, as she might be able to detect signs of decay before you do.
What happens when I get a root canal?
First, Dr. Boado numbs your tooth and protects your mouth with a rubber dental dam. Then she uses a drill to make a small access hole in the top of your tooth. She extracts your damaged tooth pulp with a series of small files, then cleans and sterilizes the inside of your tooth.
Once your tooth is clean, she fills it up with a special material called gutta-percha, which is like rubber. She places a filling in the access hole on top of your tooth, then places a crown on your tooth to restore it to its full function and protect it from breaking.
Schedule your root canal today by calling the offices at Hollister Smiles Dental: Diana Boado, DDS, or booking a visit online.
