Most people cringe when they learn that they need a root canal procedure to save their decaying tooth. As nervous as you might be, getting a root canal is the best solution since it keeps your natural tooth and eliminates pain.
At White Rose Family Dental, we are proud to offer root canal treatment services in York, PA. Our highly experienced dentist, Dr. Kaushal Kapadia uses modern rotary endodontic instruments to remove the damaged dental pulp (nerve tissue) painlessly and effectively.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal gets rid of bacterial infections in the tooth. This saves and prevents further infection to the tooth and its surrounding areas.
Most people believe that the procedure is extremely painful and intimidating. However with the use of local anesthesia and modern endodontic equipment and techniques, many patients find that having a root canal treatment is no more painful than just having a cavity filled. It’s common to feel pressure and movement during a root canal, but the majority of patients are comfortable throughout their appointment.
The dentist uses the latest rotary files and apex locators to extripate the infected pulp down to the tip of the tooth. One may require multiple sessions, especially if it is a complicated case involving a tooth with several roots. A temporary restoration is fitted in between appointments. After filling the root canal, a crown is placed to give maximum long-term support to the tooth.
Why A Root Canal Treatment Is Necessary
A root canal is necessary when the pulp is infected or inflamed. The infection may be caused by different factors such as an injury, a cracked or chipped tooth, or repeated tooth decay.
If left untreated, the infection leads to pain or abscess. The infection may also spread to the surrounding teeth leading to a weakened tooth that may require an extraction.
Symptoms That Indicate You Need a Root Canal Treatment
There are instances where an infected tooth is not showing any symptoms requiring root canal therapy until the tooth is severely damaged. The following are common signs and symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal:
- Extreme Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold
- Spontaneous, persistent throbbing tooth pain lasting for hours
- Tooth discoloration due to poor blood circulation
- Swollen gums caused by pus accumulation
- Swollen jaw when pus doesn’t drain from the site
- Pain when pressure is applied during eating, brushing, or touching the tooth
Root Canal Procedure
Before the procedure, the dentist takes dental X-ray of the tooth to determine the extent of damage. Here is what to expect:
1. Anesthesia
The dentist applies a small amount of numbing medication around the affected tooth. After its effect, the dentist administers a local anesthesia injection into the gums to prevent pain in the tooth and the surrounding area. Sedation may be done for patients with dental anxiety.
2. Pulp Removal
The dentist creates a small opening on the tooth’s crown to access the infected pulp. The dentist removes the affected nerves, blood vessels, and tissues inside the tooth with modern rotary files. Then, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped. The canals are shaped smoothly to avoid gaps that may lead to reinfection.
3. Filling The Root Canal
After pulp removal, the dentist may coat the area with a topical antibacterial to prevent infections. The tooth is then filled with a sealer paste and a rubbery, flexible dental material known as gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary dental filling that prevents saliva and bacteria from re-entering.
4. The Final Restoration Placement
Most cases require a dental crown, especially posterior teeth. A dental crown is a permanent cap placed on top of a damaged tooth to protect and cover the tooth. It also helps restore a normal bite.
Why Is A Crown Required After A Root Canal?
A tooth after receiving a Root Canal Treatment becomes very brittle and is very likely to break apart or fracture under normal biting forces. Therefore we recommend a full-coverage crown(cap) which covers the entire tooth and reinforces it thereby making it less likely to fracture.
We offer a wide variety of Crowns including All Porcelain Zirconia Crowns, highly esthetic E-Max Crowns, Metal fused to Porcelain Crowns & even Full Gold/Precious Metal Crowns.
Please contact us at White Rose Family Dental and make an appointment if you believe you need a Root Canal Treatment or a Crown.
At White Rose Family Dental, we provide advanced dental solutions and customized treatment plans to fit your budget.