Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a procedure that fixes an infected or damaged pulp by replacing it with a filling.
This saves the diseased tooth from probable extraction. This is also called endodontic treatment or therapy.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of doubts about the procedure. Many people think that a root canal treatment is painful.
At Mayfield Dental Care, we make the procedure nearly painless. Learn more about root canal treatment today!
Root Canal Treatment Defined
When you have severe tooth decay, your tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues, can be infected. Once it does, the infection can spread down to the roots of your tooth, hence creating dental abscesses and eventual tooth loss.
The infected tooth can be very painful. Often, swelling is associated. The tooth becomes sensitive to thermal changes and pressure.
A root canal treatment stops the infection from spreading by removing the infected pulp; therefore stopping the ripple.
The success rate for this treatment is high. About 90 to 95 percent of patients who undergo root canal treatment can expect a fully functional tooth after the treatment. With good oral hygiene, the treated tooth can last a very long time.
Signs That You Need A Root Canal Treatment
- Unprovoked pain in the tooth, cheeks, or jaw
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating or speaking
- Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
- Dental abscess
- General discomfort leading to lack of sleep
There are rare cases when a damaged tooth pulp doesn’t show any symptom until it’s too late. Regular dental check-ups are very helpful in these situations. The issue is usually diagnosed by special tests or X-rays during the dental check-up.
Issues Resolved By Root Canal Treatment
- Advanced gum disease
- Worn down tooth
- Severe tooth decay
- Decay beneath a deep filling
- Repeated dental treatment on a specific tooth
- Breakdown of an existing filling or crown
- Cracked teeth
- Trauma that damages a tooth
Procedure
The canal within each tooth root, which houses the damaged pulp, is cleaned and prepared for the filling.
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the severity of the issue, tooth’s history (if there are previous dental jobs done on the tooth), and other factors. It usually takes 3 to 4 appointments.
To back the healing process, your dentist may use antibacterial dressings over the damaged tooth.
A temporary filling is used to protect the tooth during in between appointments.
Once the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and readied, the tooth filling is bonded. In some cases, your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to cap over the tooth when the filling is too large.
All dentists are trained to perform a root canal treatment. However, you may opt to have the service done by an endodontist, a specialist in the field of endodontic treatment.
Safe And Secure Procedure At Mayfield Dental Care
Mayfield Dental Care provides safe and secure root canal treatments. We make sure to perform the treatment with little to no pain.
Our team is comprised of highly skilled dental professionals who have extensive knowledge of root canal treatment and other complex dental procedures.