A root canal is a common dental procedure, performed more than 15 million times per year. This treatment allows your natural teeth to be maintained, preventing the need for dental implants or bridges.
The inside of a tooth contains pulp – a soft tissue that consists of blood vessels, nerves and cells. It delivers nutrients and minerals to maintain your tooth, and provides the tooth with a sensory function – the ability to feel hot and cold.
Trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures can cause the pulp to become infected. Symptoms of the disease can include visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. The tooth must quickly be treated or the pain can get worse, and infection can spread, possible causing an abscess.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp is likely needed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and is often completed in just one visit. The injured pulp is removed and the tooth's root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, shaped and sealed. Initial root canal therapy has a success rate of over 95% in most cases.
After the procedure, you should feel comfortable returning to your normal routine. It is rare for patients to experience complications after routine root canal treatment or microsurgery. To prevent further tooth decay, simply continue to practice good dental hygiene.
At A+ Dental, we take pride in providing excellent dental care as quickly and painlessly as possible. Don't ignore your tooth pain – consult with Dr. Smirnova today and let us make your smile comfortable again!