A root canal is a procedure that is designed to treat an infection or abscessed tooth. This treatment can help relieve pain and preserve a natural tooth. At Dental Arts of Boston, the dentist will remove the infected tissue, sterilize the tooth and then fill the cavity with a sealant to prevent future infection.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
If a tooth becomes infected, it can cause extreme pain and require immediate treatment. If your tooth is hurting, you must seek help right away. If you wait, the problem may not only get worse but could also require a tooth extraction. Tooth infections can lead to more severe conditions like heart disease and stroke.
When a tooth becomes infected, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause inflammation and discomfort. This infection can spread from the tooth into the gums and bones that protect the roots. Severe disease may even cause the tooth to die, requiring extraction if it can’t be saved.
Fortunately, there is a way to save your tooth! Our dentist can perform root canal therapy to remove the infection and restore the health of the affected tooth. This procedure involves removing the pulp and the nerves of the tooth and then shaping the canals so they can be filled to prevent further damage from bacteria. Then, we will seal off the tooth to protect it from future damage. Your tooth will then be restored with a white filling or dental crown to look completely natural!
The Root Canal Procedure
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will give you local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissues. Then they will drill through the enamel to access the pulp and nerve. Once the tooth is fully exposed, the dentist will use special instruments to remove the infected tissue in the tooth’s canals. They will then reshape the canals and refill them with a particular material. Finally, your dentist will temporarily fill the tooth to protect it until you return for your permanent restoration.
The Benefits of Root Canal Procedure
A root canal alleviates pain caused by an infected tooth and preserves the structure of the tooth. Without treatment, an abscessed tooth can cause severe pain or lead to tooth loss. This standard restorative dentistry treatment also provides relief from toothaches. Untreated decay can lead to abscesses that spread inflammation throughout the body, causing other health problems such as heart disease. Once the tooth is repaired with a root canal, patients can preserve their natural teeth instead of losing them prematurely. Additionally, missing teeth can cause the other teeth to shift out of position and cause additional oral health problems.
You may need a root canal treatment if you experience severe toothaches, pain when eating warm foods, or if you notice discharge around the affected area. Visit Dental Arts of Boston at 26 MARLBOROUGH ST, BOSTON, MA 02116, or call (617) 266-0441 to schedule an appointment.