Root Canal

Why You Might Need Root Canal Therapy

Teeth are rooted in your gums and jawbone. While they are coated in hard layers of dentin and enamel, their centers are filled with soft tooth pulp. The dental pulp is made up of connective tissue, nerves, cells, and blood vessels. The dental chamber, which houses the pulp, connects directly to the root, embedded deep into the gums.

If the blood or pulp within the chamber becomes infected, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the diseased tissue and eradicate the infection. One of the most common causes of bacterial infection is an untreated cavity. Oral bacteria from decayed food particles can infiltrate your tooth’s surface, accessing the pulp. Cracked teeth may also lead to a bacterial infection.

It’s extremely important to treat pulp tissue damage as soon as you recognize the symptoms. If the infection worsens, you may develop abscessed teeth, causing the infection to spread into the surrounding teeth and tissue. If the bacteria get into the jawbone, it can contribute to tooth loss. An abscess can lead to sepsis in rare cases, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.

Take preventative action

You can often avoid root canal treatment with good oral hygiene habits. However, accidents, cracks, and tooth decay are sometimes unavoidable. Visiting your dentist every six months helps you maintain good oral health and allows your dentist to identify early signs of an infection. To minimize the risk of needing emergency root canal treatment, learn the symptoms of an infection.

Symptoms That Indicate You Need a Root Canal Procedure

In the absence of apparent dental decay or severe tooth pain, the presence of an infection can be challenging to diagnose. However, you may notice specific symptoms that indicate you need a root canal procedure.

Toothache or discomfort

Toothache or a general discomfort around teeth and gums may be caused by various oral health issues, including bacterial infection. Pain that feels like it’s coming from inside the tooth or below the gum line may indicate deep oral decay.

Oral sensitivity to hot and cold

While sensitivity is normal for many people, it can point to a deeper problem. If you notice a sudden increase in your oral sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and drinks, you may have an infected tooth pulp.

Gum inflammation

As the infection develops, pus may gather at the infection site, causing inflammation. Red and swollen gums are a common sign of infection that may require dental care or a root canal. Call your dentist immediately to book an appointment time if this occurs.

A visible pustule or abscess on the gums

Bacterial pus can also be detected as an abscess that looks like a pimple on the gum tissue surrounding a tooth. In some instances, the pimple may drain into your mouth. If you notice an unpleasant taste or smell coming from your teeth or gums, there’s a good chance you have a tooth infection.

Damaged tooth

A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can expose your pulp chamber to harmful bacteria. Something as simple as chewing can cause bacteria to pass quickly into your tooth’s pulp, causing an infection. If you experience an accident affecting your mouth or teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to check for signs of damage.

Discoloration

Infected pulp can restrict the blood supply to your tooth, causing it to appear darker than usual. Tooth discoloration is one of the most common signs of a pulp infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms or experience severe pain in or around your tooth, schedule a consultation with a root canal specialist immediately. Dr. Owens draws on his vast experience to quickly diagnose and treat an infected tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure

We provide root canal treatment at our dental practice. The entire process typically takes between one and four visits.

Administering anesthetic: The first step is to apply a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding your infected tooth. This ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

Removing the infected pulp: Once the numbing agent takes effect, we’ll begin removing the infected pulp and dead tissue. Your dentist makes a small incision at the top of your tooth to expose the pulp chamber. Using special endodontic files, your dentist carefully removes the infected material and clears out the canal.

Shaping and filling the root canal: Your dentist fills and seals the canal after cleaning to remove the infected pulp.

Sealing the site: The dentist seals the opening of the tooth using a permanent or temporary filling.

Completing the restoration: Your dentist places a dental crown over the tooth following the root canal procedure to restore its appearance and functionality and provide structural support.

Contact Us for a Dentist for a Root Canal in Michigan

Maintain a healthy smile by receiving high-quality dental care from a root canal dentist in Michigan. Our dental office takes pride in providing patients with compassion and a positive experience, so they feel good about coming to us for dental treatments.

Regular check-ups and cleanings can minimize your risk of deep decay and gum disease, preventing future complications.

To learn more about the root canal process or book an appointment for a root canal treatment, contact us today at (248) 626-0772.