Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a procedure performed when the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to decay. The dentist will use a drill to remove the infected nerve, clean the canal, then fill and seal the canal.

Symptoms that you may need a root canal procedure

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it indicates that you may need to undergo a root canal procedure

• Persistent and severe tooth pain
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Swollen or inflamed gums
• Pain when you touch the tooth
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• A tooth that is mobile

What causes root canal infection?

When a tooth is cracked but hasn’t broken all the way through, the crack can allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Once the bacteria have accumulated inside the tooth, they can cause an infection inside the tooth. This can be extremely painful and is a primary reason for root canal treatment.

How does root canal treatment work?

The amount of time root canal treatment needs depends on the level of infection in the tooth. If the infection is severe, the dentist may need to perform multiple procedures.

Your dentist will numb the tooth and remove any visible decay. He or she will then create a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. From there, your dentist will clean out the infected pulp. The dentist may irrigate the canal, clean it, and reshape it in preparation for a filling. He or she may also put medication in the pulp chamber to disinfect it and provide pain relief.

The dentist will place a temporary filling over the tooth to protect it from damage. Finally, the dentist will place a permanent filling or crown over the tooth to protect it from damage.

What are the benefits of a root canal procedure?

A root canal procedure is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Root canal therapy can stop the pain caused by dental infection or inflammation, allowing patients to resume normal activities.

Root canal therapy preserves a natural tooth by removing the infected or inflamed pulp. The pulp nourishes a tooth, but it can also harm a tooth when it becomes inflamed or infected. Removing the infected pulp allows the inner tissue of the tooth to remain intact.

One of the most significant benefits of root canal therapy is that it can save the natural tooth. Root canal therapy can often prevent the need for extraction.

To learn about our dental procedures, call Desert Mountain Dental at (520) 324-0100 and schedule an appointment or visit our Tucson dental office.