The soft inner part of the tooth is known as the pulp. The pulp is composed of nerve tissue, lymph tissue and blood vessels. During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is removed.
Damaged Teeth
Trauma and infection of the pulp can result in the need for a root canal. Common causes of damaged pulp include deep tooth decay, abscessed teeth, trauma, cracks and breaks. With a root canal, the crown of the tooth can remain intact even if the pulp has died. Removing the injured and infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.
Common symptoms of damaged pulp include pain, swelling and a hot sensation in the gums. Our experienced team can examine painful teeth and determine whether a root canal is necessary. We work directly with you to develop a treatment plan that fits both your needs and your budget.
Root Canal Process
During a root canal, you are given a local anesthetic. Even though you remain awake throughout the entire procedure, the anesthetic prevents you from feeling any pain. Once numb, the top part of the tooth is removed to expose the pulp. The pulp of the tooth is then carefully removed using special tools and all of the pathways of the tooth are thoroughly cleaned.
After the pulp is removed, a topical antibiotic might be applied to prevent further infection of the tooth. The tooth is then filled with a soft temporary material that protects the canals from damage. After a root canal is complete, the treated tooth must be permanently filled or a crown must be placed over the top at a later visit. Regular brushing, flossing and dental visits are necessary if you wish to maintain the positive results of this procedure.
Root Canal Treatment in Charlottesville, VA
Nothing is better than your original teeth when it comes to eating and maintaining a natural smile. Retention of the original tooth is probably the biggest benefit of root canal treatment. Please contact us to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure.