Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected dental pulp of a tooth, cleaning the tooth and placing a filling to prevent further infection. Root canals are a service offered at Balance Advanced Dentistry and Orthodontics.
While teeth can seem invincible pearly whites that break down food and help make a great smile, they have layers and can weaken over time. Without proper care, a tooth can sustain enough damage to expose the inner layer, known as the dental pulp. Infected dental pulp will cause varying levels of pain when eating, speaking or at any time of day. Fortunately, we can help.
We can use root canal treatment to help remove the infected dental pulp, preventing the spread of the infection to other teeth and helping to relieve pain. This procedure will also help to protect the tooth from further infection. Root canal procedures may be the sturdy and lasting solution to an infected tooth.
Why Do Most People Need a Root Canal?
When a tooth becomes infected, that infection can spread into the center of the tooth. This area is called the dental pulp. Inside of the dental pulp is the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
All of the sensitive areas of the tooth are contained here. As such, when the area becomes infected it can be incredibly painful, requiring immediate treatment. We can perform a root canal quickly on people living in and around the Duluth area.
How Does a Root Canal Work?
A root canal endodontic procedure works by creating a small hole in the tooth so that all of the infected areas can be removed. The dental pulp is removed, and oftentimes so are the roots.
You only need your tooth roots to feel sensations like hot and cold and for the tooth to grow in. Once it has fully matured, removing the roots will not directly harm the tooth.
It can, however, prevent the further spread of infection so when it is necessary to remove the roots; we promptly do so. Once done, we will clean the area to ensure that the infection is gone.
We will typically prescribe antibiotics, as well. This ensures that any lingering infection is eliminated.
In order to complete the root canal, we will seal up the hole and area where the dental pulp used to be. This is typically done with something called gutta-percha.
This is a rubber-like substance that can help to stabilize the tooth now that a portion is missing. At Balance Advanced Dentistry and Orthodontics, we will then use a filling or crown in order to further strengthen and protect the damaged tooth.
Both fillings and crowns can now be created in a tooth-color. This means that regardless of where your infected tooth is located, a crown can be used, and it will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Patients throughout the Duluth area appreciate how natural their tooth looks once the procedure is complete.