What Is a Root Canal?
Have you ever asked yourself the question: what is a root canal? Have you ever had one done by a dentist? Read on to learn more.
Visits for emergency dental procedures cost Americans more than $2 billion per year on average. One common cause of dental emergencies is the need to perform a root canal. If you are experiencing sudden and acute pain in your teeth or jaws, you may require prompt treatment by our dentist in Hampton, VA.
A root canal is a routine treatment that is performed with your comfort in mind. To learn more about root canals, read on.
What Is a Root Canal?
Understanding what a root canal is requires a brief overview of the structures found within the teeth and jaws. Many of our patients are familiar with the strong outer structure of teeth called enamel. The dense layer of calcium and other hard minerals protects our teeth and allows us to chew hard objects with ease.
Beneath that layer is a softer portion of the tooth called dentin. Like enamel, dentin is also hard. Dentin protects the inner portion of the tooth called the pulp.
The pulp is the inner living portion of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissue. The pulp is very vulnerable to infection.
If bacteria comes into contact with the pulp, a dental emergency known as a root canal infection can result. The procedure requires cleaning the tube-like structures found within the tooth known as the root canals. The root canals run from the pulp down into the roots of the tooth.
At LeJeune Family Dentistry, our experienced and caring team can quickly address this dental emergency. Next, we'll look at some common causes of root canal infections.
Common Causes of a Root Canal
There is no one cause of a root canal infection. Some root canal infections result from trauma or an accident that chips or cracks the enamel. These openings, even if they seem small, allow bacteria to reach the pulp.
This is one reason why we advise our patients to quickly address any structural damage to their teeth. Dr. Barry LeJeune, your Hampton, VA dentist, can prevent root canal infections by repairing your damaged tooth.
Other causes of root canal infections are more subtle. Over time, tooth decay can eat away at enamel and dentin. A small cavity may go unnoticed until a root canal infection erupts.
Practicing good oral hygiene habits can prevent these causes of a root canal infection, but tooth decay can occur even when patients observe good oral hygiene habits.
Another cause of this type of infection is a loose or ill-fitting restoration. Regular dental check-ups can detect those problems early on.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal
Our team treats root canal infections as emergency procedures. You do not have to schedule an appointment for dental emergencies.
We advise anyone who is experiencing a dental emergency to have someone drive you to our office. Once you arrive at our office, your needs will be attended to immediately.
Anesthesia and Sedation
Dr. LeJeune, the best dentist in the area, will perform your root canal with your comfort in mind. Local anesthesia provides immediate cessation of discomfort. Root canal infections can be very painful because swelling within the tooth places pressure on the tooth's nerves.
If you require further help becoming comfortable, Dr. LeJeune can administer sedation that places you in a relaxed, sleep-like state.
Removal of Infected Soft Tissue
Once you are completely relaxed, your doctor will gently drill into your tooth to access the infected tissue. Then, he will use special tools to remove the infected pockets of infection.
A root canal requires the removal of all soft tissue within the tooth. Your dentist performs this step to prevent the return of any infection. Once your tooth has been cleaned, your dentist will use a special material to fill the pulp area.
Placing a Restoration
Then a restoration will be placed to restore the strength of your tooth and prevent bacteria from reentering your tooth. Your dentist may use an inlay, onlay, or dental crown for this purpose.
Once you are released, you should take the rest of the day off. Recovery from a root canal is generally fairly short. Report any unexpected discomfort or pain following your procedure to our office immediately.
Benefits of a Root Canal
The root canal procedure performed at our Hampton, VA dental practice provides immediate relief from discomfort and pain. Root canal infections can lead to debilitating pain. Here are some common benefits of this safe and effective procedure.
Preserve Natural Teeth
Root canal procedures also preserve your natural tooth. Saving a tooth is always preferable to extracting one when possible. A successful root canal procedure will prevent the need for tooth extraction.
Support Jawbone Density
Our teeth help preserve the health of our jawbone tissue. Tooth roots act as tiny stimulators that maintain jawbone density. This is why people who lose multiple teeth experience jawbone atrophy over time.
Saving your tooth also prevents the need for a costly dental implant.
Restore Oral Health
Finally, root canals restore oral health. An untreated root canal infection will continue to spread. The bacteria can damage your jawbone or even lead to a life-threatening situation.
Contact Your Dentist in Hampton, VA Today
A root canal infection is a serious dental emergency that requires prompt and professional attention by our dentist in Hampton, VA. Dr. LeJeune has more than 26 years of professional experience treating a wide range of dental problems.
Are you experiencing the sudden onset of oral pain? Call our office to speak with a member of our team who will advise you on what steps you need to take to protect your oral and overall health.
Make an Appointment
Call today to schedule an appointment at (757) 827-9114.
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