Endodontic treatments deal with problems of the dental pulp of a tooth. Dental pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues located at the root of your teeth. This area is highly vulnerable and is vital for your oral health.
Any damage or infection to the dental pulp has to be addressed promptly. The most standard endodontic procedure is root canal therapy. At Sandia Peak Dental, we perform efficient root canal procedures to restore the impaired tooth structure.
Causes of Root Canal Infections
An infection of the root canal occurs when the plaque and tartar deposits accumulate near the gum line, at the intersection, or the hollows of the teeth. They discharge toxic elements that erode the tooth enamel and cause cavities. If the cavities are not addressed promptly, they can penetrate the root canal cavity causing an infection.
The other causes include damage to the teeth that make them broken, chipped, or cracked. The harmful bacteria can enter the root canal through these openings and infect the pulp.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
- Pus discharge near the infected tooth
- Severe pain while eating
- Numbness in the gum area of the infected tooth
- Discoloration of the infected tooth
- Loosening of the tooth from the jawbone
- Bone deterioration
Root Canal Procedure
A root canal completely removes the tooth’s diseased pulp. When you visit our office, we will systematically evaluate your oral condition and decide your need for root canal therapy. If the infection is severe, we will perform a root canal procedure to salvage the tooth and prevent its extraction.
Local anesthesia will be administered to reduce your discomfort. We will then make a tiny opening in the tooth through which we remove the infected pulp. Dental files are employed to clean out the infected diseased tissues.
The cavity walls will be cleaned meticulously and shaped. A jet of water will be sprayed to eliminate the decay and other debris, and a medicated material called gutta-percha is placed in the cavity and sealed.
As the dental pulp is removed, the structure of the treated tooth could gradually weaken over time. If not restored, the tooth could crack or chip when you bite or chew any hard objects. Hence, a dental restoration such as a crown is recommended to protect and strengthen the integrity of a tooth and prevent any future damage.
To learn more about endodontic treatments, visit Sandia Peak Dental at 8000 Eubank Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. You can also reach Dentist Albuquerque, NM at (505) 298-6732 and schedule an appointment.