When a tooth is infected deep in the root, a traditional filling won’t be enough to get rid of the infection. A small cavity that only affects the surface of the tooth can be treated with a basic filling, but if a cavity goes too deep, it can reach the nerves that are located in the root of the tooth and cause a serious infection.
The tooth’s inside, which houses the nerves, is formed of soft tissue even though the tooth’s outside is covered in hard enamel. Swelling, pain, and damage to the neighboring teeth and gums can result from this area of the tooth becoming infected. Drilling into the tooth’s center and removing the soft tissue is the most effective technique to get rid of the infection. Despite the removal of the nerves, this procedure preserves the tooth’s integrity.
We administer a local anesthetic before the procedure to make sure you won’t experience any pain. By taking away the discomfort, you may sit back and unwind in the dental chair as the dentist works on the nerves in the tooth.
The roots of the tooth need to be cleaned to remove the infected pulp and any bacteria that is present. After the infection has been removed, the next step is to dry the inner surface of the tooth and apply a sealing material to prevent problems in the future.
The nerves and blood supply can be removed from the tooth without the need to extract the tooth from the mouth, but it is common for the tooth to become brittle over time. Additionally, the tooth is often weakened due to the areas that were removed for the root canal. So, it is common for a root canal treatment to be paired with the placement of a crown to support the overall structure of the tooth.
Just because you have a toothache or abscess, doesn’t mean that it is necessary to have a root canal. A dentist can help you assess your symptoms to determine the right treatment for your tooth. The best thing that you can do is schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist so that you can receive professional recommendations.
If you are interested in learning more, then our team at Dental Group of Bloomingdale is here to answer your questions. Call today to schedule an appointment!