Root canals explained: Saving your tooth

A root canal (endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure that treats infections in the tooth pulp, which is the innermost layer of your teeth. Endodontists and dentists do around 15 million root canals brandon ms in the United States each year. Taking care of your teeth can often prevent the need for a root canal.

Why do I need a root canal?
If bacteria in your mouth enter the pulp inside your tooth, causing inflammation (pulpitis), you may require a root canal. Bacterial attack on your tooth pulp may occur when:

·       You have a deep cavity that requires treatment.

·       You have a fractured or damaged tooth, and bacteria from plaque infects the pulp.

What are the indicators that I may require a root canal?
If you have an infected tooth, you may require root canal therapy to remove the infection. You can have infected teeth without any symptoms. Symptoms may include the following:

Tooth discomfort that will not go away. Many things can cause your teeth pain. However, discomfort that is deep in a tooth or travels to your jaw, face, or other teeth may indicate an infection.

Pressure causes pain. If your tooth hurts when you eat or touch it, it's possible that something has damaged the nerves that surround the pulp.

Swollen gums. If you have an infected tooth, your gums may expand and become sensitive.

A pimple on your gums. Infected teeth can cause pimples or boils on your gums, oozing stinky pus.

Swollen jaw. Your jaw may enlarge due to pus that does not flow from your infected tooth.

A discolored tooth. Tooth pulp infection prevents blood from reaching your tooth. That causes your teeth to darken.

Loose teeth. Pus from an infected tooth pulp can soften the bone that supports your tooth, making it feel loose.

What happens following a root canal?
Your provider may advise you to rest for a few minutes before leaving the dental clinic or provider's office. It can take an hour or more for anesthetic to wear off, which means your mouth and gums are no longer numb. Some people choose to rest at home while this occurs, while others continue with their normal daily schedule.

Typically, you will have two additional consultations so that a physician may prepare your tooth for a dental crown and then place the crown on it.

What are the possible benefits of root canals?

Root canals brandon ms treat tooth infections that, if left untreated, can lead to major problems like:

·       Infection spreads to other teeth.

·       Jawbone damage.