Root Canals Q & A

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What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure intended to remove oral discomfort and restore your tooth. One of the skilled dentists at Hudson Dental Arts eliminates the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue from inside your tooth if it becomes severely infected. Doing so lets them get rid of your pain and preserve your tooth.

 

How can the root of a tooth become infected?

Tissue and roots inside of your teeth can get infected with bacteria due to injury to the tooth or from a cavity that remains untreated for too long. If you don’t visit the dentist, the infected tissue may spread into the root or pulp of the tooth. Be sure to inquire about treatment, because if the infection gets any further, this can induce a host of other problems.

 

What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?

If you don't deal with an infected tooth right away, you'll be welcoming a great deal of pain in the future. Infected tooth symptoms might include:

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• Inflamed gums

• Tooth soreness while chewing

• Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

• Bad breath

• Pus coming from around the tooth

• Painful aching in your jaw and mouth

• Darkening color of the tooth

• A bump on your gum like a small pimple

 

What is the procedure for a root canal?

One of the highly trained dentists at Hudson Dental Arts can usually fix your tooth within one or two visits. You may need X-rays taken so that the full extent of the tooth damage can be evaluated before the root canal is performed.

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When it's time for the procedure to begin, one of the dentists at Hudson Dental Arts will apply a needle to anesthetize the area. Every now and then, they stick a small sheet of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to protect it and keep it clean during the procedure. After your tooth gets numbed, the dentist makes a small incision in your tooth to reach the infection inside the root.

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Then, your dentist removes the infected and damaged pulp using small files, then washes away any debris from the area with water. Ance all damaged substance is extracted, your dentist will either place a temporary filling on your tooth or seal it for protection until you come back for your permanent crown.

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If you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, call Hudson Dental Arts or schedule a consultation online.