Root canals are often dreaded and this phrase strikes fear into many people. If decay is left untreated in the mouth it can reach the pulp tissue of the tooth. The root canal procedure will replace this infected pulp with a filling. It can save a tooth from having to be pulled. This is a detailed procedure and is not as scary as a person thinks.

How Teeth Become Infected

The canal of a tooth has nerves as well as blood vessels. This will provide the teeth with the nutrients that they need in order to stay healthy. When the outer layer of the tooth is not properly cared for it can reach the canals. These blood vessels as well as the nerves become inflamed and infected. The pulp dies and the tooth is then filled with the infection or pus. This can lead to pain as well as swelling. If a person does not treat this infection than the bone structure can become damaged and the tooth will become abscessed. The root canal will remove the infection and replace it with a filling. A root canal Federal Way can save the tooth.

After the infection is removed the nutrition needed with come from the surrounding teeth. Other damage that can lead to infections are accidental cracks, leakage from pervious fillings, and infections from the gums.

 Procedure

A root canal is also called an endodontic treatment. The roof of the tooth is cleaned and sterilized. The infected matter is then removed. A dentist may need to see a patient at least twice to do this depending on how bad the infection is. If there is an active infection antibiotics are needed for three to five days to reduce the infection and for pain. Local anesthesia can be used to help make the patient comfortable. A rubber dam is placed on the tooth that is infected. This will keep the tooth dry and will also prevent contamination. A dental drill is used to remove the upper layer of the tooth. This will allow the dentist to reach the pulp of the tooth and remove the infected material.

The interior of the tooth is cleaned using small files. The pulp chamber and the canal are cleaned out and they are also enlarged. This process can take a couple of hours and may need to be performed over several different visits. This will vary based on the severity of the infection. The molars as well as the premolars have two or three roots and several canals. The more roots the tooth has the longer this process will take. A temporary filling is placed in the tooth after it has been cleaned.

A person will have to visit the dentist at another time to resume the procedure. The filling is removed then the tooth is filled. A crown is then applied over the tooth to seal it. The crown will also protect the root from fractures.

 Post Care

After having a root canal avoids hard foods. Develop good oral hygiene habits and brush and floss on a regular basis. Limit the consumption of sugars and sodas. If the teeth are cared for they can last for many years.