How Root Canal Treatment Matters To Your Dental Health

The pulp cavity is the inner-most part of the tooth that holds nerves and blood vessels. If it gets infected, then it could cause some serious oral problems. Pulp infections can cause complications, like tooth loss, a limited function of other teeth, and chronic pain. You can, however, treat the pulp and prevent damage with endodontics in Pleasanton, CA.

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, preservation, and restoration of teeth. The word endodontics comes from two Greek words meaning inside the tooth.

Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic treatment, and it involves removing the infected pulp from inside your tooth.

Endodontics can prevent costly dental surgery, like tooth extraction and implants.

What are the Signs of an Infected Pulp?

There are many signs that your pulp may be infected, and the most common symptom is pain. This can be a constant painful ache or short, sharp stabbing pains not relieved by medication. Other signs that you need endodontic treatment near you include swollen and tender gums, sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, and darkening of the gums.

What Does the Root Canal Procedure Entail?

A root canal is a dental procedure in which the diseased or infected pulp tissue of a tooth is removed then the space is filled with a material. For many people, this may sound like a terrifying procedure, but it’s not. The procedure takes about one to three hours, and the discomfort only lasts for one day or so.

Before any dental treatment, an x-ray is taken to assess the condition of your teeth. Once everything is clear, local anesthesia is administered, and for most patients, an oral sedative is used. This pain-relieving medicine will make you feel calmer and more relaxed while numbing the gums around the affected area. Our dentist in Pleasanton, CA, will make an opening into the tooth to access the infected pulp. He will take out any bacteria and other unhealthy substances inside it to prevent infection from spreading.

The dentist will clean the chamber with sterile water or saline solution before replacing it with filling material, such as gutta-percha. A dental filling is used to seal the teeth, and later the dentist will fix a dental crown to restore the strength of the teeth.

What Happens After the Root Canal Procedure?

You may begin to experience pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising as the anesthesia begins to wear out, but these will subside after a while. Our dentist in 94566 will prescribe medication to relieve pain and prevent infection too. You are advised not to eat or drink anything until you get home and feel comfortable doing so. Also, avoid strenuous activities like chewing on that side of their mouth for at least 24 hours.

Aftercare is also vital to maintain good oral health and ensure that an infection does not occur again in the future.

Swelling, pain, and soreness should clear 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. If the problems persist, visit a dentist near you for assistance.

What is the Root Canal Complications?

Root canal complications are a painful and costly consequence of poorly done root canals. You may experience nerve bruising or reinfection that occurs when multiple root canals go unnoticed. This often happens when the dentist does not get all the bacteria from the tooth before filling the chamber.

The dentist may perform endodontic retreatment or choose another procedure to address the issue.

How to Prevent Root Canal Infection?

The primary cause of root canal infection is bacteria that get into the tooth, usually through a crack or a hole in the tooth. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems.

The best way to prevent root canal infection is to keep your teeth healthy and clean and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

Visit Elite Dental Implants and Orthodontics for more information about root canal procedures and how you can prevent them.