Endodontic Care Available at Toledo Dental Arts
While minor toothaches may not seem like a major issue, they may be an indicator of underlying dental issued. In particular, tooth infections or tooth abscesses may cause discomfort yet be discounted as a minor issue. However, if these conditions are left untreated, patients may find themselves facing extensive bone grafting and extractions in order to correct these problems. At Toledo Dental Arts, Dr. Shabbir Hashim helps patients avoid these invasive procedures by treating endodontic pain with comprehensive root canal therapy.
The visible exterior layer of a tooth is called the enamel. Beneath the enamel is another hard layer, called the dentin. The dentin surrounds a small chamber at the center of the tooth that contains the pulp. Tooth pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves, arteries, and veins. The pulp extends from the pulp chamber down through narrow channels, called the root canals, to the tips of the roots.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. The treatment presents a conservative and highly successful solution to extensive damage caused by tooth infections. These infections are caused when bacteria gets into the inner pulp of a tooth via a crack, fracture, or as a result of decay.
In the event bacteria spreads to the bone surrounding the tooth, it may cause dental erosion, creating an abscess below the tooth. While an abscess may be drained and treated with antibiotics, the infected inner pulp must be removed to prevent the infection of the root of the tooth via root canal therapy. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Reasons for root canal therapy:
Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
Injury or trauma to the tooth.
Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
Sensitivity to hot and cold.
Severe toothache pain.
Sometimes no symptoms are present.
Swelling and/or tenderness.
What is the Root Canal Procedure?
The root canal procedure is straightforward, with patients often finding that the pain of the tooth infection is much worse than the discomfort of the procedure. The procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
Root Canal Therapy at Toledo Dental Arts
At our Toledo dental office, we strive to provide patients with an exceptional dental experience. While root canal therapy is not particularly uncomfortable, Toledo Dental Arts offers a range of relaxation medications that can help patients feel at-ease during their procedure.
Being able to enjoy full function of your smile is significantly important. To help his patients regain full dental ability, Dr. Hashim offers same-day crown restoration with CEREC® same-day crowns. Made of highly resilient porcelain, this one appointment crown is manufactured in our Toledo office and is designed to protect and reinforce the treated tooth.
Endodontic Care in Toledo
Toledo Dental Arts is committed to exemplary dentistry that provides lasting oral health for all our patients. If you are exhibiting signs of an infected or abscessed tooth, contact our team immediately to develop a comprehensive treatment and restoration plan.
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