How a Root Canal Can Save an Injured Tooth

With teeth that become injured or damaged, severe pain can be experienced and potentially result in the loss of the tooth without prompt treatment. A root canal is a highly effective procedure designed to save an injured or infected tooth, which can reduce the need for extraction and other costly procedures. 

Understanding Tooth Injuries and Infections

Tooth injuries can occur due to various reasons, such as accidents, sports injuries, or untreated cavities that have advanced to the inner layers of the tooth. When the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes damaged or infected, it can lead to intense pain, swelling, and even abscess formation.

The Role of a Root Canal

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth’s interior. By applying this step, it helps eliminate the source of pain and infection while preserving the tooth’s structure. Here’s how the process works:

Diagnosis and Preparation

Your dentist will first examine the affected tooth using X-rays to determine the extent of the damage or infection. Once a root canal is determined to be necessary,  the tooth and surrounding area are numbed to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Cleaning and Shaping

Your Panorama City dentist will create an access opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. The damaged or infected pulp is carefully removed, and the interior of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria.

Filling and Sealing

After the tooth has undergone thorough cleaning, the empty pulp chamber is filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, to seal the space and prevent future infections. The access opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.

Restoration

In most cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will require a crown to protect and strengthen it. The crown is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, restoring the tooth’s functionality and appearance.