Root Canal Information
The root canals, as their name suggests, are hollow cylindrical spaces inside the tooth roots. These are the parts of the tooth that protect the pulp, the soft tissue directly connected to the nerves inside the alveolar bone.
When a tooth gets deeply decayed, the bacteria may reach into the root canals and infect the tooth pulp, causing extreme pain and sensitivity. Sometimes, even without external decay, the tooth pulp can get infected and swollen. For these situations, the best solution is to undergo root canal treatment.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Recommended?
You will be qualified for root canal treatment if:
- Your tooth is very painful and sensitive to all kinds of substances, not just hot and cold ones;
- An external cavity has gotten too deep and reached the pulp; or
- A recent traumatic injury caused your tooth to become swollen and painful.
You will undergo a complete examination to ensure that root canal therapy is the best course of treatment. An Xray image of your teeth will be taken so that the dentist can identify the exact location of the infection and plan the procedure accordingly.
How Is Root Canal Therapy Done?
Once a diagnosis is made, the procedure may be scheduled for another appointment. However, if both you and the dentist are free for the day, the root canal treatment may be done on the same day as the initial examination.
Before the procedure begins, you will be given an anesthetic to numb the area. A rubber dam or a piece of elastic sheet will be placed over your mouth to protect the other teeth from falling infected debris. Only the affected tooth will be exposed. A dental retractor will be placed around your lips to ensure that your mouth remains open throughout the entire procedure.
The dentist will drill into the crown or artificial restoration to access the pulp. Once the pulp is visible, it will be cut and taken out using special hand tools. When the root canals have been emptied, the dentist will use endodontic files to clean the entire canals. These files are like flexible needles that scrape off infected matter from the sides of the canals. Depending on the depth of the infection, the dentist may use endodontic files of varying lengths.
After all of the infected areas have been removed and cleaned out, an antiseptic solution will be used to rinse the canals. A filling material called guttapercha will be used to fill in the canals. Then the inside of the tooth will be filled with composite material. Depending on the size of the defect and how much natural crown is damaged, you may need an inlay, onlay or a full artificial crown.
Dentists recommend getting a restoration to prevent the buildup of food particles inside the open tooth. It is also aesthetically unpleasant for the tooth to be kept open, especially if it easily visible when you smile. The crown restoration will take a couple of weeks to be created, during which you will be given a temporary cap to cover up the treated tooth.
Are There Alternatives To Root Canal Therapy?
For those who are not eligible for root canal therapy or are uncomfortable getting the procedure, here are some alternative solutions that may be considered:
- Tooth Extraction. If the tooth has little chance of survival even after the infected pulp has been removed, it may be more practical to extract it completely. A restoration in the form of a dental implant or bridge will be needed to replace the extracted tooth.
- Root Amputation. If the infection is located within or underneath the tooth root itself, root amputation may be a more appropriate solution than just root canal treatment. This process still requires root canal, but after the procedure, another step will be performed to cut off the infected root. This will prevent reinfection and protect the integrity of the other roots and the entire tooth.
Visit The Best Lynnwood Dentist For Root Canal Treatment
At Alderwood Family Dental, our expert dentists perform root canal treatment in the safest and most comfortable way possible, providing patients with a pleasant dental experience. To determine whether you are a good candidate for root canal treatment, please set up an appointment request using our
Book an Appointment here.
You may also visit us at:
Alderwood Family Dental
18505 Alderwood Mall Blvd
Lynnwood, Washington 98037
Our dental staff will assist you regarding any inquiries and treatment information. We are looking forward to serve you at our office!