An infected tooth is a source of pain that can disrupt your daily chores. But, more than that, left untreated, the infection can spread to the nearby tissues and cause damage to the teeth. Fortunately, there are several treatments available that the dentist can use to get rid of the infected parts of the teeth, like dental fillings. However, if the infection extends to the inner pulp chamber, a root canal treatment near you may be a better option.

What is the Root Canal?

To understand what is root canal treatment, you need to know the parts of the teeth. Our teeth have three parts, the enamel, the dentin, and the innermost layer known as the pulp chamber. The pulp cavity houses nerves and tissues that nourish the teeth. The canals can get infected because of a bacterial infection or repeated dental procedures. The infection can lead to darkening of the gums, pain, lingering sensitivity, and swelling.

How Can a Root Canal Therapy Benefit You?

Our dentist can recommend root canal therapy in Roseville, CA, as the primary treatment for the infected pulp. The treatment offers several benefits such as:

1. Stops the spread of the infected

A dental bacterial infection affects more than your teeth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause further damage to the teeth. This will lead to gum infection and even dental decay. The dentist will remove the infection and stop it from spreading to the other tissues.

2. Prevents teeth extraction 

As the infection spreads, it affects the teeth and can cause decay and damage. Tooth extraction is the best solution to a severely damaged tooth.

While pulling your teeth can stop further damage to the teeth, it can affect your dental structure. A tooth extraction will leave spaces between the gums, and leaving them unfilled will cause the other teeth to shift. Furthermore, the body will begin to reabsorb the supporting bone, which causes jaw degeneration. Root canal therapy can stop decay and teeth removal.

3. Saves you from subsequent treatments 

Getting a tooth extraction will leave behind missing teeth that can be detrimental to your health. You may need restorative dental procedures to replace the missing teeth and stop jaw bone deterioration.

How is Root Canal Therapy Done?

A root canal treatment can be done in two dental visits, and it involves a few steps.

• Our dentist in Roseville, CA, will begin the process by doing a comprehensive dental checkup. A radiograph may be done to assess the condition of your jaw bone.
• The dentist will then clean the affected teeth and put a protective sheet to keep them dry and free from saliva.
• The teeth are drilled to access the pulp, and using tiny dental instruments, the endodontist will remove the infected canals and clean the area.
• The camber is then shaped and filled with a biocompatible material, and adhesive cement is used to seal the area. In most cases, our dentist in 95661 will use a tooth filling to protect the teeth and restore their function.

On your final dental appointment, the dentist will remove the fillings and replace them with a dental crown to restore the full function of the teeth. The dental crown will give a visually appealing result.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Although the root canal treatment is not painful, you may feel pain as the anesthesia begins to wear out. A few days after the procedures, there will be tooth sensitivity, inflammation, and swelling. These problems will clear out after a few days, but you can use the prescribed medication to ease the discomfort and prevent infection.

It is important to care for your gums to facilitate quick recovery, and you can do that by eating soft and easy foods. Avoid spicy and hard foods like nuts as they can affect the gums.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Smile Shine Dental Practice of Dr. Sidhu for an assessment if you have lingering sensitivity and darkening gums.