Root canal therapy aims at saving a severely infected or damaged tooth. The dental procedure entails removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to deter future infection. 

The Significance of Dental Pulp

The dental pulp helps during the development of teeth. Once a tooth fully forms, it can survive without the dental pulp. The pulp provides pressure and temperature sensitivity. It can develop severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling. It can also develop abscesses when infected. Root canal therapy aims to remove the infected pulp. It eliminates the pain and saves the tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure 

Root canal therapy involves your dentist examining your tooth to evaluate the extent of damage or infection. They will then take X-rays to help determine the shape of the root canals. The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure a smooth procedure.

Your dentist will use a dental dam. It is a thin rubber sheet placed around the tooth. It helps keep it dry and free from saliva during the procedure. They will then create an access hole in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. They will carefully remove the infected pulp using unique instruments.

Next, your dentist will clean and then shape your root canal. They will also remove any remaining infected tissue. They will then thoroughly rinse it with an antimicrobial solution to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection. 

They will fill the canals with a biocompatible material and seal them with an adhesive cement to prevent reinfection. After root canal therapy, the tooth may require a dental crown or filling. It will help restore its structure and protect it from further damage.

Benefits and Advantages

Root canal therapy eliminates the source of infection and relieves severe toothache. It restores the tooth's health and prevents further damage. It saves your natural tooth to maintain your dental structure and allows for normal biting and chewing. Root canal therapy is often more cost-effective than tooth extraction and the tooth replacement options it entails.

Aftercare and Long-term Success

After root canal therapy, it is essential to follow good oral hygiene practices to ensure long-term success. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing twice daily. 

Schedule occasional visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and examinations. Your dentist will monitor the treated tooth and ensure that it remains healthy. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods. 

These can damage or dislodge the restoration. Put on a mouthguard to participate in sports or activities that risk dental injury. Doing so can provide extra protection for your teeth, including the treated tooth.

When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

A persistent or intense toothache can indicate an infection in the dental pulp requiring root canal therapy. You may also need it if you experience sharp pain or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. It may be a sign of pulp inflammation or infection.

Swelling, tenderness, or the development of an abscess near the affected tooth may indicate the need for root canal therapy. Deep decay or trauma may also necessitate root canal therapy. Teeth with deep cavities, or those that have suffered trauma, can lead to pulp infection. 

These can include fractures or cracks. They may require root canal treatment. Teeth with multiple dental procedures, like fillings or crowns, may develop complications. They need root canal therapy.

For more about root canal therapy, contact Pediatric Dental Group at our office in Honolulu or Lihue, Hawaii. Call (808) 593-8828 or (808) 245-2131, respectively, to book an appointment today.