All About Root Canal Treatment
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is the cleaning out and sterilizing of the inner part of the tooth that houses the tooth’s pulp, a small, thread-like tissue. Once the diseased pulp is removed, the remaining space, the canal, is cleaned, shaped and filled. This seals the root canal and keeps bacteria out.
X-ray of lower two front teeth that have had root canal treatment.
Why would I need a Root Canal?
Once the pulp is infected or dead, it needs to be taken care of. If it is left untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause pain. These are the most common reasons that the pulp would get infected:
Cracked tooth. Sometimes teeth get cracks in them that then allow bacteria into the middle of the tooth that then kills the pulp of the tooth.
Deep cavity. If a cavity gets so deep that it touches the pulp, then the pulp will get inflamed and die.
Injury to the tooth. If a tooth gets knocked too hard, gets displaced or severely chipped in an accident the pulp can die.
How do I know if I need a Root Canal?
Symptoms of needing a root canal include:
Spontaneous pain. Pain that comes on without being provoked.
Waking up in the middle of night with pain. Pain that is strong enough to wake you from sleep.
Cold sensitivity. Drinking something cold that makes the tooth sore for many minutes, not just seconds.
Hot sensitivity. Hot makes it throb and cold makes it feel better.
Tooth tender to touch. Putting pressure from the bite or from the tongue is painful.
Bump on gums. Bump or swelling on the gum tissue, typically about a half inch below the gum line.
Single discolored tooth. A tooth darkening over time, usually with a history of trauma and usually not sore at all.
What is the process of getting a root canal?
Root canal treatment consists of several steps that take place over one or two appointments. These steps are:
- An opening is made through the back of a front tooth or the top of a molar or pre-molar.
- The diseased pulp is removed.
- The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for being filled.
- Gutta-percha, a tapered, rubbery material is inserted into the canals of the tooth and is cemented into place.
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Our Location
Our Location
Camarillo Smiles
92 Palm Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
Our Hours
| MON | 7:00am - 8:00pm |
| TUES | 7:00am - 8:00pm |
| WED | 7:00am - 8:00pm |
| THUR | 7:00am - 8:00pm |
| FRI | 7:00am - 5:00pm |
| SAT | 8:00am - 1:00pm |
Ask Us Anything
Call us 805-388-5700
Email: info@CamarilloSmiles.com