Root Canal Treatments
A root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth. The infection is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth. This type of infection can occur due to:
- Damage to teeth as a result of trauma, such as a fall
- Leaky fillings
- Tooth decay
Tooth Structure
The crown is the part of your tooth that is visible in the mouth. The root extends into the jawbone, anchoring the tooth in position. Your tooth's structure also consists of:
- Cementum – a hard material that coats the root’s surface
- Dental pulp – the soft tissue at the center of the tooth
- Dentin – a softer material that supports the enamel and forms most of the tooth.
- Enamel – the hard outer coating of the tooth
The root canal system contains the dental pulp and extends from the crown of the tooth to the end of the root. A single tooth can have more than one root canal within it.
Understanding Tooth Infections
The pulp of the tooth is made up of soft tissue that includes nerves and blood vessels. If it's infected by bacteria, the pulp will begin to die and the bacteria can multiply and spread.
The bacteria and the substances they release will eventually pass out the end of the root canal. This process will continue because there’s nothing to stop more bacteria passing down the root canal. This causes the tissues around the end of the tooth to become red and swollen. Your tooth can become painful and in extreme cases, your face may become swollen (known as a dental abscess).
There are two procedures to treat an infection in the root canal: either removing the tooth (extraction) or attempting to save it by removing the bacteria from the root canal system (root canal treatment).
After the bacteria has been removed, the root canal will be filled and the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown. The inflamed tissue at the end of the tooth will usually heal naturally. Before having a root canal treatment, you will usually be given a local anesthetic, so the process isn't painful and should be no more unpleasant than having a filling.
Care After a Root Canal Treatment
It is very important to look after your teeth when recovering from a root canal treatment. Avoid biting on hard foods until all of your treatment is complete. In most cases, it’s possible to prevent the need for further treatment by:- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Not consuming too much sugary food
- Not smoking
Conveniently Located Office
Our locally owned practice is located at 214 Mohawk Ave in Scotia, NY. FREE parking is available in office lot and on-street . Call Scotia Glenville Dental Center today to schedule your appointment.
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