Are you a victim of injured, cracked, or decayed tooth? Do you feel a rush of pain and sensitivity as you consume hot or cold food although your teeth look perfectly alright from the outside? A dental consultation might reveal many things about your teeth. Symptoms of extreme teeth sensitivity could be a sign of pulp infection, inflammation or infection. In most cases, the patient would request for an extraction, but there are ways to restore your teeth with endodontic treatments. A root canal is a much suggested method of treating problems of the dental pulp.

What are the symptoms of a pulp infection?

The symptoms of a pulp infection may include: 

• Pain in the teeth and gums
  
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
  
• Abscess in your teeth
  
• Tenderness or swelling of the lymph nodes

What is a root canal?

A root canal is an endodontic treatment that primarily treats conditions of the dental pulp. The procedure is generally done by an endodontist who has the required years of training and experience.

A pulp infection is quite common and may have occurred due to the entry of harmful bacteria into the dental pulp. Such bacteria may have led its way to the dental pulp through cracks, breakage, or injury to the enamel.

The treatment involves the removal of the infected or diseased dental pulp (and its nerves) from the root canal. The pulp chamber would then be cleaned, disinfected, medicated, and then sealed. A crown or a restoration would encase the newly restored tooth to protect it against wear and damage.

What is the procedure involved in a root canal?

The endodontist would closely observe your X-ray to locate the root canal. He/she would also examine the patient's gums, teeth, and supporting bone structure. The procedure for a root canal would involve the below:

• The endodontist would apply a local anesthetic around the areas of the infected tooth
  
• In order to keep the tooth from moisture and saliva, a dental dam (protective sheet) would be used
  
• To access the dental pulp, a small hole/opening would be made on the enamel and the endodontist would remove the infected pulp tissues and nerves
  
• After removing the infected tissues, the endodontist would cleanse and disinfect the canal
  
• The canal would be filled with a filling material
  
• After restoring your tooth, it would be covered with a restoration in the form of crowns or bridges

To understand more about root canal and ways of restoring your damaged teeth, request an appointment with us today. Call our office at (909) 628-8109 or book online to meet Rakesh Patel, D.D.S.