Does your tooth ache when you eat or apply pressure around the area? Are your teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures? Are your gums swollen and tender to the touch? These are all signs that could be indicating that the nerve or pulp of the tooth has been infected or inflamed as a result of a decaying or cracked tooth. In such cases, dentists will recommend a root canal procedure to save a badly damaged tooth, rather than removing it completely.
A root canal is an extremely common dental procedure that the professionals at Bloom Dental of Arlington perform for our patients. With innovative technology and our state-of-the-art dental facility, we are known for producing stunning results and restoring confidence where it belongs. From a variety of dental treatments and cosmetic procedures, like Invisalign in Ballston, our experienced dental team provides a level of care and commitment that is simply unmatched.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure performed by a dentist to repair an infected or damaged tooth. During a root canal procedure, a dentist will create a small hole in the tooth to access the canal. The infected dental pulp, and often the roots, are then carefully removed. The canal is cleaned out and filled, and then sealed with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha to stabilize the tooth. Once the procedure is complete, the tooth is covered with a crown, which seamlessly blends with surrounding teeth and continues to function like all the others.
Why are root canals necessary?
Root canals are a simple procedure that are recommended to save damaged, natural teeth and prevent the need for dental bridges and implants. Root canals are necessary when the pulp, or soft tissue, inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected, which could lead to an abscess.
The pulp is located in the center of the tooth, just beneath the white enamel and the hard dentin layer. Tooth pulp contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which creates hard tissues around the tooth during growth and development. However, a fully-matured tooth is nourished by its surrounding tissues and no longer needs the pulp to survive. All of these nerves are the “root” of the tooth, and the canal travels from the tip of the root to the pulp chamber. When this sensitive area becomes infected, it can cause excruciating pain and is often treated immediately.
There are a number of reasons why a root canal may be necessary:
Faulty crown
Large fillings
Deep decay
Cracked or chipped tooth
Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
Advantages of a root canal
Understanding the benefits of a root canal procedure will help you make the right decision when considering your options. At Bloom Dental of Arlington, we will thoroughly assess your condition and do all the necessary tests to determine an ideal solution for your situation. Review the following benefits of a root canal and then be sure to discuss it with one of our dental professionals:
Prevents the spread of infection
Prevents the formation of abscess in tooth
Alleviates pain from infection and inflammation
Minimally invasive procedure
Quick procedure
Little to no pain during procedure
The right dental procedure will not only help you maintain a naturally beautiful smile, but it will significantly alleviate pain and allow you to eat the foods you love. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you may have an infection that won’t get better on its own. Schedule an appointment today with our dental experts to discuss root canals, cosmetic treatments, or wisdom teeth removal in Arlington.