Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a tooth-saving procedure that treats decayed teeth and tooth infections. 

In the center of your teeth is a soft tissue called tooth pulp. The pulp contains many nerves and blood vessels. 

When damage or decay reaches the pulp, it can cause excruciating pain. It can also spread to your surrounding teeth and tooth-supporting structures. 

To avoid extracting your permanent tooth, the team at Smile Studio of Buford removes the pulp and replaces it with a biocompatible material. By removing the pulp, your provider eliminates the infection or decay and prevents it from causing additional damage.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Whether you have a painful tooth infection or decay from a cracked tooth, a root canal can save your tooth from damage. Signs that you need a root canal include: 

• Tooth pain
• Pain when chewing
• Small bumps on the gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swollen gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Tender gums
• Darkened gums

A tooth abscess is a serious sign that you need a root canal. An abscess is a sac filled with potentially harmful bacteria. If an abscess ruptures, it can spread bacteria throughout your body.

What happens during a root canal?

Before performing the procedure, your provider numbs your teeth and gums with an anesthetic. Once you’re comfortable, they create a small access hole in the center of your tooth and inserts special dental tools.

Your provider performs root canal therapy with a microscope to ensure they remove all traces of bacteria along with your tooth pulp. Using a microscope to perform a root canal minimizes your risk of reinfection.

Once the tooth chamber is cleaned and disinfected, your provider replaces your pulp with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Finally, they seal the access hole and place a filling to protect your tooth from reinfection. 

Will I need a crown after a root canal? 

Your provider may recommend placing a dental crown to add support to your teeth following a root canal. Creating a crown requires impressions of your teeth to make a mold.

Once the crown is ready about 2-3 weeks later, your provider can place and fix your crown with cement to protect your tooth.

To learn more about root canal therapy, call Smile Studio of Buford or request an appointment online today.

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