A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage in the pulp of a tooth. The pulp is a soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
During a root canal, your dentist in Rittman, OH cleans out the infected dental pulp and fills the tooth with a protective material. Then, a crown is typically required after a root canal to protect the treated tooth and restore it to full function. On the other hand, not treating an infected tooth can cause the infection to spread to other teeth and even throughout the body.
Root canals are necessary when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The infection could be caused by injury or decay and may spread to the jawbone if left untreated.
Symptoms of an infected tooth include persistent and severe pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold, sensitivity to pressure, swelling of the gums, and a bad taste in the mouth. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit our dentist right away to prevent the spread of infection.
First, our dentist in Rittman, OH, will first numb the area around the infected tooth with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Then, she will create an opening on top of the tooth in order to clean out and remove the damaged and decayed material inside the tooth. Once the decay is gone, your dentist will fill the tooth with a special compound that keeps it from decaying further. Finally, they will replace the top part of the tooth with something called a crown to improve the tooth’s overall strength and appearance. The crown will match the rest of your teeth for a seamless look!
A root canal is a relatively simple process for repairing a tooth that has suffered significant structural damage and is affecting the overall appearance and health of your mouth. That said, it’s important you maintain good oral hygiene habits after your procedure to prevent future problems. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. By flossing daily, you will remove any lingering pieces of food from between the teeth, so the soft tissue inside won’t become inflamed or irritated over time.
There are many benefits to having a root canal procedure. It will preserve your tooth so you can avoid getting an extraction. It will also relieve the pain associated with a cavity and prevent an infection from occurring. At-home care and regular checkups will help ensure that you keep your natural teeth for the long term.
To learn more about our dental services, call us at (330) 925-2986 or visit our dental office located at 314 N Main St, Rittman, OH 44270.
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