Root Canals
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to eliminate damaged or infected pulp from inside a tooth.
What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to eliminate damaged or infected pulp from inside a tooth. During the process, Dr. Swift cleans and reshapes the pulp chamber and root canal, then fills it with a rubber-like material known as gutta percha to prevent any future contamination. The tooth is then sealed permanently.
When is a root canal necessary?
If a tooth experiences injury or trauma, the pulp can become inflamed or infected, and over time, it may die. When the pulp is damaged or dead, it can cause increased blood flow and cellular activity, resulting in pressure within the tooth that can't be relieved. This pressure can lead to pain when biting or chewing with the affected tooth, or when consuming hot or cold beverages. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to bone loss around the tooth and potentially causing the tooth to fall out.
The main alternative to root canal therapy is the extraction of the infected tooth. However, this can lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, potentially resulting in a misaligned bite that might require an implant or bridge. It's generally advisable to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible, and root canal therapy provides a way to do just that.
The root canal procedure.
Typically, this treatment requires one or two visits. After the cleaning and reshaping, Dr. Swift might place a temporary crown on the tooth or fill the canals based on the tooth's condition. Additionally, a topical medication may be applied to help combat bacteria in the area.
On follow-up visits, any temporary fillings will be taken out. If the tooth remains fragile after the pulp chamber and canal are filled, a fiber-reinforced resin post may be inserted for added support. Ultimately, the area is sealed permanently, and a crown is placed on the tooth to enhance its strength and appearance.
Results and after care.
You might experience some discomfort due to tissue inflammation in the treated area, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It's important to follow up with regular dental visits, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, and avoid chewing on hard foods with the affected tooth.
While it's uncommon, new infections can sometimes arise. This may occur for various reasons, such as an unnoticed crack in the tooth's root, a faulty restoration, or the deterioration of an internal sealing material. If this happens, you may need additional follow-up care and treatment.
Schedule an appointment
If you’re experience tooth pain, we encourage you to contact us at 828 Dental today to set up an appointment. You can reach our Asheville, North Carolina office by filling out our online contact form or calling us at (828) 505-3410.