Root Canals
Portland, OR
Root Canal Treatment for Treating Damaged or Infected Root Canals
Root canals are the tiny passageway that holds the soft-tissue layer of the tooth known as the pulp. The pulp is protected from damage by the harder layers of the tooth - the dentin and enamel. However, due to a weakened enamel, oral bacteria can penetrate the root canals, causing an infection of the pulp. The pulp can also be damaged following a traumatic dental injury. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, treatment is needed to treat the root canals, hence repairing and saving the tooth. At Portland City Dental, we offer root canal treatment, which helps to get rid of the damaged or infected pulp matter.
What Is the Purpose of a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment is performed to remove the damaged or infected pulp. Doing this helps to prevent the spread of the damage or infection to the healthy pulp matter. As a result, it can help to save the tooth from additional damage, which could otherwise lead to dental problems such as abscess formation and tooth loss.
Aside from preventing the spread of infection/damage, a root canal treatment can also help to offer relief from pain. Tooth pain is a common symptom for a tooth that has damaged pulp; as the pulp also contains nerve endings. Treating the root canals, thus helps to remedy the situation, easing the pain.
How to Know If You Need Root Canal Treatment
A root canal procedure is needed when the pulp of a tooth has been damaged, which can happen due to
The damage to the pulp is diagnosed following a dental evaluation. However, it is possible to identify the damage through various signs and symptoms, which include;
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A severe toothache that starts when you apply pressure to the tooth (chewing, or biting down on your teeth). The pain can also start spontaneously.
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Tooth sensitivity, cold and hot drinks and food, or cold temperatures. The sensitivity can continue after the cold or heat stimuli has been removed.
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Swelling or tenderness of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
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Darkening of the tooth (this happens when a dental injury or trauma is involved).
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An abscess forming around the tooth. |
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure
During the consultation, dental x-rays of your teeth will be taken to evaluate the condition and confirm that you need a root canal treatment. If treatment is confirmed, the root canal procedure will then be performed, either on the same day or in a second appointment.
The procedure starts with sedation, using a local anesthetic. This helps to numb the pain and put you at ease during the procedure; root canal is an invasive procedure. After sedation, an opening to the pulp chamber will be made on the tooth enamel. The damaged pulp will then be drained, before cleaning the canals with a disinfecting solution.
The root canals are also filed to increase their diameter (for the filling material), as well as to get rid of any damaged pulp that may have lodged in the walls of the canals. An anti-bacterial medication may also be applied to the canal to kill the bacteria present.
After the canals are clear of the infection, a filling material is placed to seal the tooth. A dental crown may also be placed on the tooth to offer extra protection, as well as to increase the strength of the tooth.
An infection in the root canals of your teeth can be extremely painful, and if left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to your tooth. However, with root canal treatment from Portland City Dental, your tooth can be saved and restored to its original state. Call us today at (503) 256-7917 to schedule a consultation. |
