All of your teeth have root canals, which is a natural cavity down the center of a tooth. The cavity is filled with a soft pulp and nerve tissue that allows you to feel hot and cold temperatures. Nerve tissue can become inflamed or irritated when there is tooth decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, when repeated procedures are done on a tooth, or when there is a trauma to the face. When the nerves in the tooth become too damaged or die, it can lead to pain, sensitivity, or even infection. Treatment of the root canal is done in order to remove dead or damaged nerve tissue and to protect the health and structure of the tooth.
A root canal involves removing the diseased center of the tooth, and a filling is placed inside the cavity. In most cases, the dentist will use a local anesthetic, but there is an option to use sedation, which puts you into a sleep-like state. After the procedure, you may experience some pain and sensitivity due to inflammation of the tissue; however, pain is typically controlled with over-the-counter medications. Patients often return to their normal activities the day after their procedure.
After the initial procedure, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to have a crown placed on the tooth. A crown adds additional protection for the filling and cavity of the tooth and guards against weakness and breaking. In most cases, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment need to have a crown placed, but it does depend on the location of the tooth.
If you are struggling with pain or sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your local Sandy dentist today. When left untreated, decayed or damaged teeth will only get worse and the problem could even spread to surrounding teeth and gums. At BeaverBrooke Dental, our team of dentists and hygienists are dedicated to providing exceptional service. Call our office today for an exam.
