Root canals are primarily used to save teeth that are decayed or badly infected. The procedure involves the removal of the nerve and pulp, and then the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and sealed. If treatment is not administered, then the surrounding teeth may also become infected, and abscesses can start to form.
The nerves within teeth do not function much after the tooth has emerged from the gums. It acts as more of a sensory function. Therefore the absence of a nerve doesn’t affect the functioning of the tooth.
What are the Symptoms of an Infected Tooth?
Not all tooth pain necessarily means you require a root canal, but some signs of severe tooth infections to take note of before visiting a specialist in Chicago include;
- Severe tooth pain when eating or when pressure is applied to the area
- Sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli
- Teeth darkening
- Swelling and tenderness around the gums near the tooth.
Why is it Important to Remove the Tooth Pulp?
Once a tooth’s nerve is infected or decayed, the bacteria starts to spread in the pulp area of the tooth. Failure to remove the tooth pulp results in abscess pockets forming at the ends of the tooth, and this may lead to other infections that may spread to the face, neck, and head.
The initial steps in a root canal involve taking an X-ray to determine where exactly the infection is. The dentist then uses local anesthesia to numb the area before treatment begins.
After Care
After a root canal, it is important to take care of your teeth and gums. You might be required to schedule follow up appointments with your dentists for x-rays to ensure the tooth has been treated. Also, maintenance of good oral hygiene will be important.
If you would like to book an appointment to see a specialist about a root canal, please contact South Loop Dental Specialists in Chicago. Visit for more information. Follow us on google+.
