Root Canal Therapy in Shelby Township, MI
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected or damaged due to decay or trauma. This procedure removes the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), along with bacteria and decay, and fills the resulting space with specialized dental materials to restore the tooth’s function and structure.
Root canal therapy is the preferred method to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Removing a tooth may seem like a simple solution, but extraction can lead to higher costs and potential problems for surrounding teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and often lasts a lifetime, although occasionally retreatment may be required if new infections develop.
Signs and Symptoms Indicating Root Canal Therapy
- Abscess or pimple on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Severe toothache or pain
- Swelling or tenderness
- Sometimes no noticeable symptoms
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp
- Infection or abscess inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
What Root Canal Therapy Involves
A root canal typically requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a general dentist or an endodontist (root canal specialist).
- Preparation: The tooth is numbed, and a rubber dam is placed around it to keep it dry and free from saliva.
- Cleaning: An access opening is made in the tooth, and a series of files are used to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, bacteria, and any decay.
- Filling: The cleaned canals are sealed with specialized dental materials. If additional visits are needed, a temporary filling may be placed.
- Restoration: In most cases, a crown (cap) is placed over the tooth to protect it from breaking and restore full function.
After treatment, some sensitivity is normal but typically resolves as the tooth heals.
Following your root canal, proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to maintain the longevity of the treated tooth.