Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment
Endodontist Kent WA
In the past, you would likely lose a tooth if it had a damaged or diseased tooth nerve. Your tooth can be preserved today thanks to a specialized dental procedure called “root canal therapy.” Bacteria can enter the pulp tissue of a tooth if it is damaged or has a large cavity, and the bacteria can then cause an infection. An abscess may develop if untreated. Infected tissue can cause pain and swelling if it is not removed. This is bad for your general health in addition to hurting your jawbones.
Root Canal Therapy (RCT)
A root canal treatment (RCT) at our Kent Dental office entails the removal of harmful bacteria from the pulp of a tooth by a dentist. The majority of people dread learning they require a root canal. Although root canal therapy is a routine dental surgery to get rid of infections and perhaps preserve a tooth that is irreparably destroyed, it still has a bad reputation among patients.
When root canal therapy is required, patients may relax knowing that our dentists in Kent provide the most comfortable, effective experience imaginable.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, or RCT for short, is a procedure that involves cleaning out the nerves and blood vessels that have been infected with bacteria from the inner section of the tooth (the canals), and then replacing those spaces with a filling material. This operation is occasionally required to save a tooth that has been damaged. There are several different reasons why this bacterium might grow inside the tooth.
One of the most prevalent factors is having poor dental health. Additionally, it is simpler for harmful germs to enter and assault the tooth from the inside out when a fractured tooth is not immediately treated. An untreated internal infection in a tooth causes pain, discoloration, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.
When Does A Tooth Need A Root Canal?
Pulp, the term for the interior of the tooth, is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and living tissues. When a tooth is injured, the living tissues may become infected and begin to deteriorate. As soon as this happens, the tooth needs to be either removed or treated with a root canal. In addition to causing pain and serious illness, leaving an infected tooth untreated is bad for the body’s general health.
Accidents that might require a root canal on a tooth as a result include:
- A significant hole or filling that extends into or very nearly into the tooth pulp.
tooth injury due to physical force. - A strong impact to a tooth may result in its abscess and eventual death, even if the injury does not cause it to break.
- A tooth with cracks or breaks.
- Dental work that is repeated on a tooth.
Possible root canal symptoms include:
- A pimple or “gum boil” developed on the gum above a tooth. This is an indication that the abscessed tooth is infected.
- After an injury, a tooth will get darker.
- Painful toothache. There may be little pain if the infection is draining (gumboil).
Discomfort when chewing or consuming hot foods or beverages. - Inflammation of the face.
What Does A Root Canal Treatment Involve?
- Your dentist in Kent will examine you and take radiographs (x-rays) to identify the issue and evaluate whether root canal therapy is required.
- Local anesthetic. This causes the area to go numb, making the process quite comfortable.
- Clearing out the infection and removing the infected pulp, blood vessels, and nerves.
- The tooth is filled with filling material after the root canals are sealed with gutta-percha, a dental substance.
Your dentist could advise installing a crown to reinforce and prevent the tooth from shattering if it has significant decay. Your restored tooth can last a lifetime if you take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, and getting regular exams.
The dentist often completes all of this during one or more appointments. A referral to a root canal specialist may be required for cases that are more difficult, such as teeth with bent roots. Endodontists, who are dentists with additional education and training, are known as root canal specialists.
If neglected, dental infections can become dangerous. Call Kent Seablue Dental right away to make an appointment if you believe you might require a root canal.
