A root canal is the central cavity of our teeth, filled with dental pulp that consists of blood vessels and nerves and is responsible for the growth and nourishment of the tooth. Any kind of problem that is related to the dental pulp is treated by an endodontist who is specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp. The dental pulp is very important for the tooth’s growth, but once the tooth is fully matured, it can survive without the dental pulp.

A root canal infection is one of the most severe dental conditions. It occurs when the dental pulp becomes infected or damaged due to decay or injuries. A root canal treatment is done to save such infected teeth. Symptoms of root canal infection include:

  • Pain
  • Swollen gums
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Difficulty in chewing
  • Discolored teeth

What Causes a Root Canal Infection?

Plaque and tartar

Plaque and tartar adhere to the surface of the teeth due to poor oral practices. They cause cavities by eroding the enamel, and if not treated on time, it can cause a severe root canal infection.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious gum condition that is caused due to poor oral hygiene. It decays the gum tissues that lead to a receding gum line and makes way for microbes to seep down to the tooth roots and the jawbone. This can cause a severe root canal infection.

External trauma

Microbes can penetrate into the tooth’s pulp and damage it due to external trauma. If such teeth are not restored on time, it can lead to a root canal infection.

How Do We Treat Root Canal Infection?

A root canal treatment is performed to treat an infected dental pulp. In this treatment, the infected tooth pulp is removed from the tooth. On your first visit to us, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your mouth to check the severity of the condition. This will also prove your candidacy for the procedure.

First, local anesthesia will be administered to make your experience pain-free and more comfortable. We will make a small hole in the tooth and then extract the infected pulp with the help of thin dental files. The walls of the tooth will be scrubbed to get rid of the microbes adhered to it, and it will be rinsed to remove the debris. Antibacterial medications will be placed in the cavity to prevent any risk of reinfection. The tooth will be restored with the help of a dental crown since it will not be strong enough. Follow-up consultations and proper oral hygiene are important to eliminate the chance of reinfection.

Please reach out to Stockton Creative Dental in Stockton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Rassiwala. Please call us at (209) 466-5000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.