What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure intended to remove oral discomfort and restore your tooth. Your dentist eliminates the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue from inside your tooth if it becomes severely infected. This way, they can save your tooth and help ease your pain.

What causes the root of a tooth to become infected?

Roots and tissue inside your teeth can become infected with bacteria resulting from an injury to your tooth or from a cavity that is left untreated. The infected tissue may enter the pulp or the root of your tooth if you avoid going to the dentist. This can cause a host of additional problems if the infection spreads any further, so be sure to seek treatment as soon as possible.

How do I know if I have an infected tooth?

An infected tooth can become very painful relatively quickly, especially if you don’t take care of it quickly. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:

• Inflamed gums
• Tooth soreness, especially when chewing
• Acute tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
• Halitosis
• Pus coming from around the tooth
• Painful aching in your mouth or jaw
• Darkening color of the tooth
• A bump on your gum like a small pimple

What is the procedure for a root canal?

An experienced dentist can usually mend your tooth in one or two appointments. First, it may be necessary to take an X-ray to determine the degree of harm to the tooth requiring the root canal.

When it’s time for the procedure to begin, you receive local anesthesia to the area. If needed, the dentist places a small sheet of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to protect it and keep it clean during the procedure. Once your tooth is numb, the dentist creates a tiny opening in your tooth to reach the infection inside the root.

Next, they remove the infected and damaged pulp using small files, then wash away any debris from the area with water. Until you return for a permanent crown, they either seal the tooth or apply a temporary filling.

Call IPI of Torrance or book a consultation online if you have any symptoms or signs of a tooth infection. The experienced dental team can instruct you on the next steps if they determine you need a root canal and will make sure you’re in expert hands.