Effective Treatment for Tooth Infections
At Venetian Pointe Dentistry, our dentists perform root canal procedures to treat tooth pulp infections. The pulp is the tooth's innermost layer and contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to tooth decay, trauma, or other factors, it can cause severe pain and potentially lead to abscess formation.
The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infection from the tooth and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the mouth. Once the infection is eliminated, a crown or filling may be used to restore the damaged tooth. The primary goal of a root canal is to alleviate pain, remove infection or inflammation, and restore the tooth's functionality.
The Benefits of Root Canals
Remove Infected Pulp
The main reason for performing a root canal is to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth's root canal system. This pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to tooth decay, trauma, or other factors, it can cause severe pain and potentially lead to abscess formation.
Relieve Tooth Pain
An infected or inflamed tooth pulp can lead to intense toothache and sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. A root canal procedure removes the damaged pulp, effectively eliminating the source of discomfort and providing lasting pain relief.
Stop Infection Spread
If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to surrounding tissues and even other parts of the body. A root canal prevents this by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection.
Preserve the Natural Tooth
Saving the natural tooth through root canal treatment is usually preferred over extraction whenever possible. Preserving the natural tooth allows for better chewing, maintains the proper alignment of neighboring teeth, and helps preserve jawbone density.
The Root Canals Procedure
Before a root canal procedure, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. They then open the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. They carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth and shape the root canals using specialized instruments.
After the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals off the canals, preventing recontamination and promoting healing. A dental crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore its structure, strength, and function.
