Preventative care plays an integral role in protecting the health of your smile. But too often, routine wear and tear and poor oral hygiene practices can compromise the health of teeth, laying the foundation for the development of cavities. While in most cases, the damage can be promptly treated with fillings, there are times the cavities can become deep and infect the delicate inner tooth pulp chamber. At Rosemont Dental in Frederick, MD, we effectively treat these internal tooth issues and prevent tooth loss.
What Is a Root Canal?
A tooth’s nerve is no longer that important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has fully erupted and developed through the gums. Its role is sensory and provides the feelings of hot or cold temperatures. The functioning of the tooth is not affected by the absence of a nerve.
When a tooth has a deep cavity or has developed cracks, bacteria could seep into the openings and infect the pulp tissue inside the tooth. An abscess could form if left untreated. If the infected tissue is not removed, it might cause you pain and swelling. All this will not only affect your jawbone but can be harmful to your overall health. A root canal procedure will save your tooth and prevent its extraction.
What Could Signal the Need for Root Canal Therapy?
- Severe and persistent toothache
- Swollen, tender gums
- A pimple on the gums
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
- Constant pain in the tooth, jawbone, or neck
- Difficulty in chewing
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment involves several visits to our office. Dr. Askari will begin the treatment by first numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Once the area is numb, we will create an opening in the tooth and remove the infected and damaged pulp from its chamber.
After the debris has been removed, the area will be cleaned by using an antimicrobial solution. This is done to kill any remaining bacteria present in the tooth and reduce the chances of reinfection. The opening will be packed with a medicated filling and sealed.
If your tooth has had extensive decay, we might recommend fixing a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from future damage. If you continue to take good care of your teeth and gums with proper brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, your reinstated tooth can last a lifetime.
If you are interested in learning more about root canal treatment, call Rosemont Dental in Frederick, MD, at (301) 663-114 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Askari.