Everything You Need To Know About Root Canal Procedure

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed. This procedure is also known as endodontic therapy. It involves treating a disease or infection of the dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

What Is A Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal procedure is a relatively simple and common treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is severely infected or decayed. The tooth's pulp, which contains the tooth nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or diseased due to untreated decay or trauma to the tooth. This inflammation is what causes pain to arise inside the tooth. 

During a root canal procedure, your dentist will first remove the inflamed or infected tissue from within the tooth. Then, the surfaces of the roots are cleaned and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent any further infection from penetrating into the roots. Finally, the crown of the tooth is restored with a dental crown for extra protection and durability. Without this procedure, the tooth would have to be completely removed.

Why Do You Need A Root Canal Treatment?

The need for a root canal is caused by tooth decay and cavities that penetrate through the enamel, dentin, and pulp. If left untreated, the decay spreads deeper into the tooth, causing an abscess to form in the gums. This usually causes pain, difficulty chewing, and sensitivity when drinking or eating hot and cold liquids. To get rid of the infection of the oral tissues, the dentist will take out the decayed portion of the tooth and replace it with a restorative material such as porcelain filling. Then the area is sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing problems in the future. A dental crown is placed on the top to restore the tooth's strength, function, and shape. 

Benefits of Root Canal Procedure

A root canal treatment is a procedure that removes the diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth and replaces it with a permanent filling material. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. Having this procedure done can also improve your smile by getting rid of any pain caused by the infection in the tooth, as well as the embarrassment of having a severely decayed tooth.

This procedure is recommended if the decay has reached the pulp, which is the inner part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. If not treated, the infection can cause an abscess, which can lead to more serious health problems.

If the damage to the tooth is too severe for the root canal to be successful, then the dentist may suggest extracting the tooth altogether to prevent further issues. It is important to have regular dental checkups so that you can catch these issues early and save on future costs.

If you need to schedule an appointment with us, please call 541.928.6622 or visit us at 1123 Hill Street SE, Suite A, Albany, OR 97322. Please contact us at office@albanydentalhealth.com if you require any additional information.