An infected or badly decayed tooth can still be saved. Your dentist may suggest root canal therapy to save it, especially if the pulp in the tooth is affected. During treatment, the pulp will be removed and the inside of your tooth will be cleaned. The procedure is performed in an Oshawa dental clinic.
Symptoms of a damaged or infected pulp
Before conducting root canal treatment, the dentist at the dental center will examine your tooth to determine if it is right for you. You may need this treatment if you have the following symptoms:
- Indications of deep decay in the pulp
- Signs of trauma or injury on the affected tooth
- Infection inside the tooth
Damage or trauma to the pulp is likely when it becomes inflamed, irritated, or infected because of deeper decay, large fillings, repeated dental procedures, trauma to the face, or a chip or crack in the tooth.
Why it’s needed
The tooth pulp breaks down when damaged as bacteria multiply within its chamber. Remnants of the dying pulp and bacteria could cause an abscessed tooth due to severe infection, which can spread to other areas of your face, head or neck, cause bone loss around the root’s tip. It can also cause and drainage issues that can form a hole through the side of that tooth and drain into the gums and through your cheek, into your skin.
The procedure
A root canal service will typically require multiple appointments in the clinic. At Maxwell Heights Dental, we have dentists who are trained in diagnosing and treating teeth pain and performing root canals. One stop shop to serve all your dental needs. The treatment is done under anesthesia, so don’t worry—you will be comfortable. A dental dam is placed around the affected tooth to keep it isolated, dry, and clean.
During the treatment, the dentist will remove the diseased and damaged pulp and get rid of the signs of tooth decay. An antimicrobial solution will be applied in the pulp chamber to eliminate any remaining bacteria and minimize further infection. After cleaning, a permanent or temporary filling will seal the tooth. A restoration (i.e. permanent crown) will be placed on the tooth after a few weeks to complete the service.