Root canal treatment is typically recommended as a last resort to save a severely damaged, infected, or decayed tooth. It is often a necessity when a tooth has a damaged pulp. The pulp refers to the soft tissues inside a tooth, which are stored in the pulp chamber, the innermost layer of a tooth.
When a tooth is healthy, the pulp chamber is sealed off from the rest of the tooth, protecting its contents from irritants in the mouth like bacteria and the acids that they make. However, dental issues like tooth decay or severe damage caused by trauma can open a tooth’s pulp chamber. When that occurs, the soft tissues are exposed to bacteria in the mouth, significantly increasing the risk of infection.
Root canals are only recommended when a dentist deems them necessary to save a tooth. Signs that indicate that this might be the case include the following.
A damaged pulp chamber often leads to excruciating toothaches, which are nothing like the toothaches caused by minor damage to teeth. The toothaches can be so intense that they make it impossible for the patient to get any sleep at night or to focus on activities during the day. The pain caused by a tooth with a compromised pulp is often enough to even force people with dental phobias to seek dental care.
Root canal treatment is an effective way to end the pain while saving the patient’s tooth. The procedure can be completed during a single visit, so the patient typically leaves the clinic with their tooth pain gone.
Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons that people visit a dentist. It is caused by the acids made by bacteria eating away at teeth structures. The early stages of tooth decay can easily be treated with fluoride treatments and fillings, but not everyone gets the issue addressed on time.
When left untreated, tooth decay will continuously expand until it reaches the pulp chamber. At that point, the patient might experience intense toothaches, and the risk of infections drastically rises. Root canal therapy can be used to clean out the pulp chamber of a severely damaged tooth, which is then resealed with gutta-percha.
An infected tooth needs root canal therapy to address the infection and save it. A tooth becomes infected when bacteria get into the pulp chamber. Symptoms include intense toothaches, pus pockets building up around the tooth, or a strange smell in the mouth.
Root canal therapy involves the dentist removing a tooth’s soft tissues and applying medication to the pulp chamber to treat the infection. The tooth is then sealed back up and covered with a crown or rebuilt with composite bonding.
Are you dealing with a damaged, decayed, or infected tooth? Our dentist can help. Call or visit our Pasadena clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentalcarepasadena.com or call Karrie Chu DDS Dental Care at (626) 472-2189 for an appointment in our Pasadena office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Pasadena, CA.
When a root canal is essential to preserve your teeth and oral health, your dentist has the knowledge and tools to help. This multi-step process can take place over two or three appointments. Still, the procedure should be mostly pain-free and comfortable. Your dentist will work hard to do an effective job of making it…
Some people may not realize how improper oral care can have a negative impact on their overall health. Untreated tooth decay does not heal without treatment and usually worsens over time. When those with multiple cavities ignore their dental needs, they may be putting themselves at risk for a variety of other medical problems, some…
Preventive dentistry can support your efforts to keep your mouth healthy, including practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding things that can damage your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but sometimes it is…
A toothache occurs when one or more of your teeth have been damaged, and it might be a sign that emergency dentist is needed. Toothaches are sometimes accompanied by a fever, and that is often a sign of an infection in or around a tooth.A dental infection is a serious health issue because the infection…
Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…
A dental crown can protect the remaining dental structure. It can restore and protect the natural tooth. Maintaining this restoration can help keep your smile intact for a long time. Here are some care tips for your new dental crown.Specific foods can damage a dental crown. Some raw fruits and vegetables are firm and hard.…