Is Your Tooth Aching? Root Canal Treatment Can Help

The root canal is the innermost part of the tooth. It consists of the dental pulp and extends from the crown of a tooth to its root. When an infection caused by bacteria that live in the mouth invades the tooth, the pulp starts to die. A root canal treatment is performed to treat the infection and save the tooth. Root canals in Oakland are performed after extensive tooth decay or after an infection caused by leaky fillings. It is also carried out after some damage to the teeth due to dental trauma. A root canal treatment near you can save a tooth that might have otherwise been extracted. You can get this dental service at Franklin Dental Care in Oakland.

Symptoms of An Infected Root Canal

Visit the dentist in Oakland for a root canal treatment once you notice any of the symptoms below:

• Sensitivity in the affected tooth when taking hot or cold beverages/food. This is caused by the nerves in the pulp, which sense hot or cold temperatures as pain.
• Severe pain when biting or chewing using the tooth
• Facial swelling near the tooth affected by the bacterial infection
• Pus oozing from the tooth
• Pus oozing from the tooth
• Pimples on the gums around the affected tooth

Also, your affected tooth may become darker in color since the pulp dies and can no longer nourish the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

An infected root canal causes severe pain and discomfort. Infected tooth pulp cannot heal by itself; the infection multiplies and spreads. It requires treatment before the infection spreads and damages the tooth beyond saving.

Root canal treatment by our endodontist in Oakland can be done by either removing the bacteria from the root canal system or by extracting the tooth. Tooth extraction is the last resort as our dentist recommends saving as many natural teeth as possible. After an extraction, the dentist will carry out a suitable restorative dentistry procedure to replace your missing tooth with an artificial one. The function and aesthetics of the replacement tooth will be similar to your natural tooth. Contrary to what people think, a root canal treatment is not painful. Sedation dentistry is provided for a pain-free, comfortable procedure.

Procedure for Root Canal Treatment

An oral exam is carried out to determine the suitability of a root canal treatment. The dentist may take an x-ray to see the shape of the affected root canals. It also helps determine whether the surrounding bone has been affected by the bacterial infection.

During the appointment for your root canal treatment, our dentist in Oakland will begin treatment by administering a suitable anesthetic. Modern dental appliances will be used to remove bacteria and dead pulp from the root canal. A small hole is made on the surface of the tooth to access the root canal. Tiny files are used to remove the infected nerves and dead pulp.

The hollow area of the tooth will be cleaned using small files and anti-bacterial irrigating solutions then shaped to prepare it for filling. Our dentist will coat the cleaned area with a topical antibiotic to kill all bacteria. Your treated tooth will be filled with a rubber-like material and adhesive cement to seal the canal completely. The dentist will ensure that the hollow is completely filled up and sealed to prevent re-infection. The small opening made on the surface of the tooth is filled with a temporary material to protect the canals from damage by saliva.

A tooth without a tooth pulp for nourishment becomes brittle over time. In order to prevent a tooth from cracking or chipping after a root canal treatment, further restorations like a crown or a filling are required. Once treatment is complete, the tooth will function without pain or discomfort.

Tips to Care for a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment

• Do not chew anything immediately after treatment since you may bite your tongue or cheeks as your mouth will be numb for some hours.
• Teeth inflammation may occur for the first few days after treatment and cause tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will prescribe medications to relieve the pain.
• Avoid chewing with the treated tooth until restorative procedures are complete to protect a fragile tooth.
• Continue your routine dental health procedures like brushing and flossing but with some care to the treated tooth until the restorations are completed.