Deep within the
roots of your teeth run canals. Pulp and nerve
within each tooth's canal bring all of the good
things your tooth needs to stay alive and
healthy. When the pulp and nerve are damaged, a
tooth can die. This poses a risk for infection
and can be extremely painful. Damage, disease,
decay, and other factors can contribute to nerve
damage in a tooth.
This scenario has
two outcomes – remove the dead or dying tooth or
remove the pulp within the tooth. Root canal
therapy, when possible, is the most conservative
option. Many people think that a root canal is
painful. However, the pain is caused not by the
procedure, but by the inflamed and damaged nerve
within the canal. Once the nerve is removed,
pain subsides.
How can you keep a
dead tooth – a tooth without a nerve? Dr. Hall
will fill the root's canal with a manmade
material to keep infection from entering the
tooth. Most often, a crown seals off the
affected tooth to restore structure and
function.
If you've been told
that you need a root canal, or if you have a
severe toothache, call Dr. Hall for a
consultation.
A root canal is
recommended if a tooth is infected or there is
severe damage to the pulp. The most common cause
for this infection is an untreated cavity.
There's no need to worry. This procedure is
common and often necessary to save the tooth.
Depending on the number of teeth and the
severity affected, root canals usually require
one to two visits, not including follow-up
visits.
During this
procedure, all of the diseased pulp in the tooth
is removed. Also, the canal is thoroughly
cleaned out with an antiseptic solution. Filling
material will be used to completely fill the
canal. After that a temporary filling will be
placed on that. Generally, a crown will be
placed on as soon as possible usually within one
month or less.
