Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
At Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area, we offer root canal treatment to save teeth from inflammation and infection. This restorative dental procedure involves removing damaged pulp and nerves to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection spread. If you have an infected tooth, root canal treatment may be able to save it and relieve dental pain. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Exploring the Basics of Root Canals
The center of a tooth contains pulp, which is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes injured or infected, it can lead to swelling, infection, and pain. Even without obvious symptoms, bacteria in the root canal can cause decay and harm to the jawbone. In such cases, a root canal procedure may be needed to save the tooth.
A root canal can remove the infected pulp to prevent further problems. Various issues, such as repeated dental work on the same tooth, cracks, deep cavities, or injuries, may require a root canal. Signs that a root canal may be necessary include bumps along the gums, darkening gums, severe pain or sensitivity while biting or chewing, and swollen or tender gums. It's important to note that symptoms of root canal infection or injury may not always be clear, and a thorough examination may be needed for diagnosis.
“A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues.”
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
The main objective of root canal therapy is to preserve the natural tooth. One of the key advantages of root canals is the elimination of pain and infection in the mouth. Other benefits include:
- Improved appearance: After root canal treatment, the patient will receive a crown or filling that restores the tooth’s aesthetic appearance.
- Reduced risk of further decay: Removing the infected dental pulp prevents bacteria from spreading and damaging surrounding teeth.
- Restored function: Root canals restore a tooth’s health, allowing it to function like any other tooth.
- Saving the natural tooth: Nothing can replace the look and function of a natural tooth.
“ The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth.”
Root canal treatment and complications.
Healthline explains that root canal treatment usually consists of four steps. Initially, an X-ray will be taken of the infected tooth and the treatment area will be numbed. A dental dam will then be placed over the area to protect it from saliva and bacteria during the procedure. Following this, a small incision will be made near the tooth's crown to expose the infected pulp, which will then be removed and the pathways cleaned. After the canals are cleaned, a topical antibiotic may be applied to eliminate any remaining infection. The tooth will then be filled and sealed, and a crown or other restoration will be placed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
While root canal treatment does come with risks, such as the possibility of the damage being too extensive for treatment to be successful, resulting in tooth loss, or the rare occurrence of abscesses if the infected pulp is not properly removed or if antibiotics are ineffective, it is generally considered safe and effective. The success rate of root canal treatments is typically between 86-98%.
“Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.”
Avoiding the Necessity of Root Canal Therapy
To avoid the need for root canal treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Regular dental check-ups and seeking prompt dental care when experiencing pain are also crucial. Additionally, avoiding acidic foods and beverages, refraining from chewing on ice, and wearing a mouthguard during sports and at night to prevent tooth damage can help reduce the likelihood of needing a root canal procedure.
“Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place.”
Explore other treatments instead of a root canal.
Root canals are a safe and effective way to save a tooth, but in some cases, extraction may be necessary. Extraction involves removing the entire tooth, which can take more time and may require additional procedures on surrounding teeth and tissue. It is generally recommended to try to save a natural tooth whenever possible, with extractions being the best option for teeth that are too damaged for a root canal.
