Root canal therapy is used to treat damaged pulp. The pulp of the tooth lies within a root canal and is the home of all of the blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues.
Causes for Root Canal Therapy
When tooth pulp has been damaged somehow, you experience irritation and inflammation because bacteria can now access the innermost chamber of the tooth. Some of the possible causes that could lead to an irritated or inflamed pulp include:
- Deep dental cavities.
- Chipped teeth.
- Cracked dental fillings.
- Physical trauma to the tooth.
We often recommend restorative procedures in addition to a root canal procedures in order to protect your mouth from recurring infections or inflammation.
Reasons to Get a Root Canal
When a pulp becomes infected or inflamed, the tooth cannot take in the nutrients or moisture that it needs to work and feel right. Because of this, a damaged pulp can cause painful symptoms including:
- Severe and frequent toothaches.
- Tender and swollen gums adjacent to the area.
- Discolored tooth.
- Heightened sensitivity to heat and cold.
Receiving root canal therapy can relieve all of these symptoms. If you do not receive root canal therapy to remove the damaged pulp, you may suffer from the following problems in your future:
- A loose tooth that falls out or must be extracted.
- Damage or deterioration of the jawbone.
- An abscess that can lead to further damage to the bones.
Root canal therapy can prevent all of these issues from occurring and allow you to better enjoy your daily life. Your teeth cannot function to their best ability when the pulp is damaged, but when it is removed, your teeth can perform perfectly again.
Root Canal Therapy
To relieve these symptoms and prevent these potential health issues, you may opt for root canal therapy.
First, Dr. Cantwell will study the area with an X-ray and then administer a local anesthetic. He will make an opening in the crown of the tooth and proceed to remove the damaged pulp. He will clean all of the bacteria and debris from the root canal to prevent infection. He will then seal off the canal and fill it with a rubbery material.
Finally, Dr. Cantwell will permanently fortify the area with a filling or crown so that you can enjoy a fully-functioning tooth again.
Root canal therapy will allow you to live your life comfortably and free from worry. Give us a call, or contact us in Magna, UT today to set up your appointment.