Tooth Infection (Root Infection) - Root Canal
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Tooth and root infection treated with near pain-free root canal by a local dentist in Lewiston, Maine, as well as general and emergency dental services.
By Aspire Family Dentistry
Do I Need A Root Canal?
When Necessary, We Perform Root Canals To Treat Tooth Infections Here at Aspire Family Dentistry.
A tooth that has been infected or damaged may necessitate a root canal in order to save the tooth, or teeth.
While a painful and dreaded process in the past, we work to make sure the benefits of this procedure far outweigh the negatives. In truth, a root canal these days is often far less intrusive and pain than some other dental procedures.
Once a dreaded dental procedure, we make it almost routine.
What is the root canal process?
First, the root canals of the tooth are cleaned, then the tooth is capped with a crown. A root canal and dental crown can take the place of tooth extraction and replacement that comes with a dental implant, and other dental devices. In the end, root canals are very effective at saving badly infected and/or damaged teeth.
When Is A Root Canal Necessary?
The inside of a tooth is soft and filled with what’s known as dental pulp, a spongy tissue full of blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria invades the space, serious dental pain isn’t far behind.
Bacteria built up along with tissue both creates and amplifies infections, and the pulp dies. Eventually, this can lead to bone loss, an abscess, and loss of the tooth.
Symptoms Of Tooth/Root Infection:
- Hole In Tooth
- Toothache
- Swelling of Face & Throat
- Swollen Gums
- Sensitivity To Temperature
Root Canal: A Great Solution To A Painful Problem
In the case of a serious tooth infection, root canals usually take at least two visits to treat, starting with performing dental x-rays so your Lewiston- and Auburn-area dentist can diagnose the extent of the tooth decay.
Every trace of tooth decay must be completely removed from the teeth canals to make the root canal a success. How it works: the patient receives anesthesia, the decay is cleaned, and the inside of the tooth is reached through an opening made in the crown.
As the procedure continues, the diseased pulp is removed. At this point, the root canals and pulp chamber are fully emptied, then sanitized. Once infection is negated, the tooth is drained and dried before being fitted with the filling, or in some cases, a permanent crown is cemented in place.
Depending on the specific situation, a metal post may be used as an anchor to support the crown. Next, the tooth is filled with a mix of dental materials, protecting the root canals from any further infection.
Root Canal Post-Procedure
Once the dental crown is in place, your Aspire Family Dentistry oral health professional will make it fit your bite both functionally and cosmetically. As far as the permanent crown, it can be made of different materials, including gold, porcelain, or composite resin.
Your newly crowned tooth should last for a long time once it’s been expertly cleaned and restored. Expect some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, not much more than that.
And, like always, don’t forget to keep up your regular dental hygiene routine so we don’t have to do this again anytime soon!
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Don’t wait! Call us today to schedule your visit and get started.
We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you have, so don’t be shy. We’re friendly we promise 🙂
