Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used by a dentist to treat a tooth that is damaged, or likely to become damaged – most often from tooth decay. Once tooth decay has penetrated into the tooth’s enamel, bacteria can begin to attack and kill the nerves and pulp of the tooth.
As a result of the attack, these nerve and pulp tissues begin to die, creating further bacteria, which in turn leads to infection and pain. The infection can lead to dental abscesses and can spread to other teeth via the tooth’s roots which connect the tooth to the gum tissue. The tooth’s pulp can also be damaged through other dental procedures, such as the placement of dental fillings.
A dentist performs root canal treatment in order to prevent the development of infection, or to remove the cause of infection when already present. An infection within a tooth can be intensely painful, and where a tooth has become infected, bacteria from the mouth can also enter into the patient’s bloodstream.
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used by a dentist to treat a tooth that is damaged, or likely to become damaged…
As a result, infection can then spread to other teeth, as well as other areas of the body. A dentist will often use antibiotics in conjunction with root canal therapy in order to treat any infection already present.
Root canal treatment involves the dentist removing the tooth’s nerves and pulp, and filling in the pulp chamber and channels which house the nerve ends. Once the dead or damaged tissue is removed, an antiseptic wash is used to help kill bacteria and infection in the tooth. The tooth is then filled with a rubbery substance called ‘gutta percha’, which also fills the pulp chamber and nerve channels.
The dentist will then place a permanent filling onto the tooth, but because the opening created by the dentist to access the insides of the tooth is typically large, the dentist may elect to place a dental crown over the affected tooth to conceal the hole, and effectively seal the hole from bacteria and preventing re-entry to the tooth.
Similarly, if the tooth structure is weakened considerably following treatment, then a dental crown may be used to help support the tooth and prevent damage or breakage from occurring.
For additional information, contact the office of Dr. Daggula at 817-465-0355 today.
