Root Canal
Sometimes, bacteria gets out of control in a tooth and actually penetrates to the pulp layer of the tooth. This causes a serious infection that can also lead to an abscess—both potentially life-threatening conditions if left untreated. The root canal procedure relieves the pain caused by an infected or abscessed tooth. During the procedure, the inflamed and infected pulp is removed, the surfaces inside the tooth are cleaned and disinfected, and the voided areas are filled with biologically inert material. In order to ensure long-term success of root canal treatment, full coverage crowns are recommended for the high-quality seal needed to prevent reinfection.
Signs You Need A Root Canal
A root canal is typically needed when you let a cavity or other bacterial-based issue go untreated with your tooth. It can also be needed as a result of dental trauma that assaults the nerve of a tooth in a way that irreversibly damages it. Either way, there are some obvious signs that you may need a root canal treatment.
Chronic tooth pain that does not digress
Acute sensitivity to hot and cold when eating or drinking
Swollen or puffy gums that are tender to the touch
Pimple-like boil on the gum line with a foul taste or smell
Swelling around the jawbone area with or without discomfort.
Additionally, if you have cracked your tooth as a result of an accident, sports activity or simply chewing on something hard, it could mean that bacteria has penetrated deep into the pulp and you may require root canal treatment.
