In the center of a tooth, there are a number of nerves and blood vessels called pulp. This pulp is in a space otherwise known as the root canal. Every tooth has at least one root canal, but they could have four or more. A front tooth often has one root canal, while a back tooth could have four or more. Root canals in Lakeview have become a prominent procedure due to lack of oral hygiene and trauma.
The pulp of your teeth can become infected if teeth are damaged. This could happen in different ways. Among them are:
* Severe caries;
* An injury, like a blow to the mouth;
* Loose or cracked fillings, or constant re-fillings in a tooth; and/or
* Gum disease.
Root canal therapy can often be done in one session, but the need for more than one session may arise. The duration of treatment depends on how severe the problem is. Your dentist can perform the root canal or recommend an endodontist, a specialized dentist who performs root canals on a daily basis. There are cases where a tooth cannot be repaired, even with a root canal. This generally happens if the tooth is severely damaged or if severe gum disease is present. Both of these will prevent you, and your tooth, from healing after treatment. In this case, your dentist may suggest tooth extraction.
Preparing for a Root Canal Treatment
Your dentist will ask about any present symptoms and then he or she will examine you. Your medical history and any previous treatments will also come up. The dental professional will also take an x-ray of your tooth. This can show how far the infection has spread, if there is an abscess, and the number of root canals in the tooth.
Typically, a root canal is performed under local anesthesia. This will completely block pain in the jaw, allowing you to stay awake during the procedure. If you are concerned about local anesthesia, talk to your dentist. He or she will explain what will happen before, during and after treatment, including any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you might have, so prepare a list of questions about the risks, benefits and alternatives to root canals done by a Lakeview dentist. For more information about these services visit us online at Family Dental Care.
