We accept Washington & Idaho Patients
INFECTED TOOTH? ROOT CANAL TREATMENT MAY HELP
At Apex Sleep Dentistry, we routinely perform root canals to save natural teeth. This dental treatment is designed to save a damaged tooth from an infection commonly caused by tooth decay.
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity that allows bacteria to reach the innermost parts of the tooth, you can develop a painful infection of the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels that help nourish the tooth. Once infection reaches the dental pulp, it must be removed to save the entire tooth from extraction. Once the infected tissue is removed, the tooth’s interior will be cleaned and sealed to prevent future infections.
The Root Canal Procedure
Our dentist will begin by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They will then place a small sheet of rubber called a dental dam around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the procedure. Next, the dentist will create an opening in the biting surface of your enamel to remove the infected pulp. The hollow space left behind after the pulp is removed will be cleaned and sterilized before our dentist fills it to prevent further infection.
Afterward, a permanent filling will be placed to seal the tooth and allow it to function normally again. You should avoid chewing hard foods or non-food items until the permanent filling is in place.
The treated tooth generally takes two to three weeks to fully heal. During the healing process, you may experience some pain and sensitivity. If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort you may feel during this time.
The Benefits of Root Canal Procedures
When a tooth becomes infected, it needs to be treated in order to avoid extraction and prevent the infection from spreading. A root canal procedure can help save the tooth by removing the damaged parts and replacing them with an inert material. This will prevent bacteria from infecting it again.
Without this procedure, the bacteria will continue to infect the rest of the tooth and even spread to the neighboring teeth, leading to eventual tooth loss. Root canals are considered painful, but they are in fact relatively quick and painless. You may need a root canal if you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth.
