Blog

A root canal treatment is performed to treat an infection or inflammation of the tooth's inner pulp. During the treatment, the dentist removes the infected or damaged tissue from the tooth's canals. The canals are cleaned and shaped, and a medicated filling is placed into the tooth. The tooth is then sealed to protect it from re-infection.

When most people hear the word "root canal," they immediately start picturing a terrible experience full of pain and tears. However, this is not necessarily what this type of procedure entails. In fact, a root canal treatment is actually an extremely routine and common dental treatment that is performed in order to address an infection on the inside of a tooth. The infection leads to pain because nerves are located very close to the center of the tooth. After the tooth is infected, the bacteria can also spread from the mouth to the surrounding tissues and bone. For this reason, it is important to get these issues addressed as soon as possible.

A root canal is usually preceded by the dentist taking an x-ray of the affected tooth. This is so that the dentist can properly see the inside of the tooth and determine the best way to treat it. After the x-ray is taken, the infected part of the tooth will be removed, and the pulp chamber will be reshaped. Then, the tooth is filled with a material known as gutta-percha. This procedure means that your natural tooth is able to remain in place rather than having it extracted. In most cases, a crown will be used to cover the tooth after it has been treated. This helps to restore its function and protect it from further issues.

Why Is a Root Canal Necessary?

If decay is left untreated, bacteria will eventually infect the pulp inside the tooth and cause it to die off. If the infection isn't treated promptly with a root canal procedure, the tooth may need to be extracted, or it may become abscessed. An infected tooth can cause pain and swelling in the gums, as well as possible drainage of pus from the affected tooth. Infected teeth will need root canal treatment to remove the affected tissue and save the tooth from needing to be removed.

A badly decayed tooth is also at a high risk of breaking. This can happen when the decay reaches the root of the tooth. Broken teeth are also likely to need root canal treatment in order to save them from extraction. Ignoring tooth decay and allowing a tooth to become extremely infected can lead to serious complications, including the spread of the infection throughout the body and the loss of the affected tooth. By not treating an infection when it first occurs, patients put their health at risk because they could develop an abscessed tooth that will require emergency treatment and removal of the tooth. However, with prompt attention, dentists will be able to save and restore an infected tooth through root canal therapy. Your dentist can educate you on all of the options that are available for restoring your smile following your root canal procedure. 

Please reach out to our dental practice in Mission Viejo, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Lee, or call us at (949) 380-0315.