Dentists recommend root canal treatment for damaged, diseased, or infected teeth. The treatment aims to eliminate bacteria within the tooth's pulp and save a patient's natural teeth. After a tooth matures, it no longer requires the pulp for nourishment. The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside, and seals it to prevent reinfection.
Decay and damage do not always occur in only one tooth. In the case of cavities, some patients have a predisposition for tooth decay. Likewise, patients might suffer cracks to multiple teeth due to accidents or grinding. Cracks can extend to the root and consequently damage the pulp. If an individual has various infected or damaged teeth, a dentist may recommend multiple root canals.
Before undergoing a root canal, patients can benefit from understanding the anatomy of their teeth. The pulp is a soft tissue beneath the enamel and dentin, extending from root to crown. It houses connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
Deep decay and cracks damage the pulp. When left untreated, the pulp becomes inflamed and infected. Signs of an infection include:
An infection in the tooth can spread to surrounding tissues and jawbone. Root canals are ideal for patients who want to save their teeth and preserve their bite.
While multiple teeth may require root canal therapy, most dentists do not perform numerous root canals in one sitting. The procedure involves creating a tiny opening within the tooth to access the chamber. Next, the dentist carves out the tooth's nerve, removes the infection, and thoroughly disinfects the tooth.
Most appointments last between 30 minutes to one hour, but complex procedures last as long as 90 minutes. The length of time depends on the position of the tooth and the extent of the damage. For example, canines and incisors take less time because they have a single root to clean and fill. On the other hand, molars might have four canals to treat.
Dentists often fill and seal the tooth with a temporary filling material following the procedure. Most set up a second appointment to fit a permanent crown.
Most patients return to regular activities shortly after the procedure. Many patients can resume work on the same day or the next. Full recovery usually takes a few days, but rare cases require one to two weeks. If several teeth have infections, the dentist may treat the infections with antibiotics and schedule several procedures over time.
Root canals preserve a patient's natural teeth. In some cases, individuals present with multiple damaged or decayed teeth. While dentists do not perform numerous root canals in one appointment, they do perform this treatment on multiple teeth over a period of time.
Request an appointment here: https://www.adlongdental.com or call Adlong Dental at (501) 406-0782 for an appointment in our Conway office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Conway, AR.
TMJ disorders are known to be one of the most grueling, as they induce a lot of discomfort and difficulty eating. However, modern-day technology has allowed for a wide range of options when it comes to treatment plans. Working with a general dentist is typically the first step. As surprising as it may be, general…
Your kid friendly dentist understands how difficult it is to motivate kids to brush their teeth. Children often think of brushing as a tiring activity. Proper motivation can help them form this healthy habit. If you want to give your kids stronger reasons to brush, here are some details from a kid friendly dentist.Brushing two…
One of the perks of choosing Invisalign® trays for tooth alignment is that there is no need for major dietary changes during treatment. Patients can still enjoy some of their favorite foods and treats without worrying about damaging brackets and wires. There is also no risk of food particles becoming lodged under or between appliances…
Dental implants are the best way to fill in the gaps from missing teeth. Missing teeth cause a number of oral health issues, including making it harder to chew and altering the structure of the other teeth. However, dental implants are not suitable for all patients. You must have healthy teeth and gums, good oral…
General dentists will typically treat mild cases of TMJ disorder via a few different avenues,…
Brushing two times a day can decrease the child’s risk of developing tooth decay.
While there are no rules for dietary changes with Invisalign®, it is wise to avoid…
Missing teeth cause a number of oral health issues, including making it harder to chew…
Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure.
Whether you think you already have a cavity or want to make a preventive appointment…
