Root Canal

Root Canal Information from Riverside Dental Center

Root Canal Treatment is performed when a tooth's pulp tissue becomes diseased.

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

In the past, teeth with injured, infected or diseased pulps were removed. Dentists today use root canal treatment to find the cause of the problem, treat the pulp and save the teeth.

WHAT IS DENTAL PULP?

Teeth are made of three parts: a protective shell called enamel, a softer layer in the middle called dentin and an inner layer known as dental pulp. This inner layer is composed of nerve tissue, lymph tissue and blood vessels and extends from the tip of the tooth's root to its crown. When oral bacteria, a fracture or forceful blow compromises the pulp, the tooth begins to die. To prevent tooth loss and further infection, root canal treatment is necessary.

WHAT SYMPTOMS INDICATE A NEED FOR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Common symptoms that may indicate a need for treatment include sensitivity to cold or hot foods, spontaneous throbbing or pain, especially when biting, and severe injuries or decay that create an infection in the bone. A diseased tooth may cause minimal to severe pain and also lead to swelling in the surrounding gum tissue. Some patients may also experience tooth discoloration.

WHAT DOES TREATMENT INVOLVE?

Root canal treatment may take up to three visits to complete. During the process, your dentist eliminates the diseased pulp before cleaning and sealing the root canals and pulp chamber of the tooth.

To remove the diseased pulp, the dentist makes an opening through the tooth's crown. The pulp is removed, then the dentist cleans and reshapes the root canals. To eliminate germs and prevent futher infections, the dentist may put medications in the pulp chamber.

Following this procedure, a temporary filling is applied to protect the tooth. The patient may also receive medication to control infections in the surrounding teeth and gums.

Finally, the root canals and pulp chamber are filled and sealed. After removing the temporary filing, a porcelain or gold crown is placed over the tooth.

HOW LONG CAN RESTORED TEETH LAST?

If you continue to practice good oral hygiene on your gums and teeth, your restored tooth can last a lifetime. Regular checkups are required, but the tooth will remain healthy as long as the roots are nourished by the surrounding tissues.A common reason that people do not treat potential dental problems is cost. When undertaking a root canal, even people with dental insurance can expect some out-of-pocket expense. Riverside Dental Center has programs in place to assist with payments and the costs associated. Discuss these options with your Riverside Dental Center dentist or call (951) 353-8454 for more options.