Root Canal Treatment Burton, MI
Root canals are common endodontic procedures used to relieve a tooth of infected tissues and preserve the natural tooth root and structure. In the past, root canal dental treatments have been associated with pain and even prevented some anxious patients from seeking the treatment they need. However, today’s dental technology and modern procedures and anesthetics help patients feel comfortable during root canal procedures. Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth are located. If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. Exposure to pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for the damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually root canal treatment.
Why would a Root Canal be Needed?
The inside of a tooth is alive with nerves and tissue that supplies the teeth with important nutrients. The hard surface of the teeth protects this sensitive interior and safeguards it against outside contaminates and bacteria. When trauma or decay allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth pulp, it can become inflamed and infected, resulting in extreme pain and eventual tooth death.
The signs of a tooth infection can include swelling around the tooth, as well as pain. Sometimes, however, the symptoms of infection are less intrusive. For example, you may only feel discomfort when putting pressure on a tooth or when exposing it to hot or cold temperatures. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all and a dentist instead confirms the need for a root canal during a routine exam and x-ray.
During a root canal, the dentist will remove dead and diseased tissues, as well as the bacteria inside the pulp chamber. This allows for the preservation of the natural tooth since a mature tooth can continue receiving important nutrients from other surrounding tissues. The dentist may also treat the infection with an antibiotic to ensure total elimination of the contaminant bacteria.
Getting a Root Canal
First, Burton Dentist will numb the tooth and isolate it to keep it free of saliva and debris. Next, an opening is made in the tooth crown, through which the dentist can clear away the pulp and place a filling into the pulp chamber. Later, you may return to your dentist to be fitted for a crown that protects the tooth and restores its functionality.
It is normal to experience some initial soreness or sensitivity after a root canal, but this discomfort typically subsides after a few days, and it should not prevent you from resuming normal brushing and flossing. You may also notice that your tooth feels different to you after the procedure, although you will likely adjust to the change over time. If you have any questions about root canal treatment and you live in or around Burton, give us a call today at 810-744-2982 to schedule an appointment at Burton Family Dentistry.