Also known as endodontic therapy, root canal treatment is a special procedure that is used when the interior of a tooth has become damaged by infection or decay. Often, it is the only way to save a severely damaged tooth from extraction. The treatment involves removing the harmful living material that occupies the inner tooth and then replacing it with medicated fillings. By doing this, we can restore the appearance and the function of the tooth, while still maintaining much of its original structure.
An infection of the root canal occurs when decay spreads to the inner pulp of a tooth or when a bacterial infection develops inside a tooth or at its root tip. There are several characteristics of a root canal infection, including:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Tender and swollen gums
- Abscess on the gums
When providing root canal treatment, we start by placing a rubber sheet around the tooth. This will prevent the infection from spreading, and it will keep the tooth dry while work is being done. Next, advanced dental tools are used to access the inner area of the tooth and to remove any infected pulp, damaged nerve tissue and visible decay that is present. Once the tooth is clean, it will then be sealed with a medicated filling substance. To finish, we will cover the tooth with a dental crown to make the tooth stable and to prevent fractures from occurring.
Dr. Halabo has been named a top dentist for 15 consecutive years! If you would like to learn more about root canal treatment, please call us at (619) 427-0810 to schedule an appointment.