When the internal part of a tooth, known as the pulp, suffers from infection and damage, root canal treatment often allows us to save the tooth from extraction. This type of infection can be caused by a deep cavity, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental treatment.
Removal of the pulp of a tooth is necessary because it breaks down when it gets damaged, and bacteria multiply causing infection or an abscessed tooth. When this is left untreated, the infection in the root canal of the tooth causes swelling that can spread to other areas of the neck, head or face doing great damage.
Symptoms of an infected pulp include:
A root canal procedure begins with numbing the area. A dental dam is used to isolate the infection from the rest of the mouth. A small hole is made on the top surface of the tooth to access the infected pulp. Diseased tissues are removed, and the tooth’s canals are cleaned and disinfected. The canals are then shaped and filled with a material known as gutta-percha to seal them. A crown will then be used to protect the tooth from further damage.
If you believe you may need root canal treatment, contact us today at (770) 501-7193 to book an appointment.