ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IN DUNWOODY, GA

Did you know that every tooth has a central cavity called the root canal cavity? This cavity houses blood vessels and nerves, collectively called the dental pulp. The dental pulp is crucial in nourishing the tooth and keeping it sensitive to stimuli like temperature. However, when the pulp becomes exposed to harmful oral microbes, it can result in a root canal infection. This invasive condition threatens the affected tooth, the surrounding gums, neighboring teeth, and even the underlying jawbone. Contact us to learn more.

What Causes a Root Canal Infection?

Root canal infections are typically the result of bacteria entering and infecting the pulp tissue within the tooth. Some of the primary causes include:

Cavities from Tooth Decay: When tooth decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth, bacteria gain access to the dental pulp, leading to infection.
Dental Trauma: A physical injury to the mouth, such as a crack or chip, can allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth and infect the pulp.
Gum Disease: When gum disease progresses without treatment, it can deteriorate gum tissue and even bone structure, which can create pathways for bacteria to enter the root canal.
Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple dental treatments on the same tooth can weaken its structure, increasing the risk of infection by exposing the tooth's inner layers to bacteria.

These factors highlight the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist for regular checkups. Early detection and prevention can often spare people from more invasive treatments.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of a root canal infection are hard to ignore, especially as the infection worsens. Common signs include:

Pain When Biting or Chewing: Patients may feel persistent pain in the infected tooth when applying pressure.
Tooth Discoloration: The affected tooth may turn dull grayish due to infected and dying tissue inside.
Pus and Swelling: You may notice pus discharging from the gums near the infected tooth, often accompanied by swelling and tenderness.
Bleeding Gums: The gums around the infected tooth may appear inflamed and bleed when brushed or touched.
Loose Tooth: As the infection progresses, the affected tooth may begin to loosen, creating discomfort when chewing.
Jawbone Deterioration: In severe cases, the infection can spread to the jawbone, compromising the structural integrity of your smile and overall oral health.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional dental care immediately to avoid further complications.

How is a Root Canal Infection Treated?

A root canal treatment is often the preferred method to address severe infections and save the tooth from extraction. Here's a closer look at the steps involved in a root canal treatment in Dunwoody, GA:

Diagnosis and Preparation: The dentist will conduct a thorough examination to assess the severity of the infection. If other treatments can effectively address the condition, they may be discussed. Root canal therapy is considered a last resort to save the natural tooth. Before starting, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to ensure a painless experience.
Isolation of the Infected Tooth: A rubber dam is placed around the infected tooth to isolate it from the surrounding teeth. This keeps the area dry and free from saliva, enhancing both the effectiveness and cleanliness of the procedure.
Accessing and Cleaning the Root Canal: The dentist will create a small access hole in the top of the tooth. Using specialized dental files, they carefully remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the canal. A water jet helps flush out debris, bacteria, and any remaining infected tissue. An antimicrobial solution may also eliminate lingering bacteria and prevent re-infection.
Medication and Sealing: Once cleaned, a small amount of medication is applied inside the canal to disinfect it thoroughly. The dentist then fills the root canal with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, to seal it and prevent future infections. The access hole is then closed with a filling.
Tooth Restoration with a Crown: Since a tooth undergoing a root canal can become brittle, the final step often involves placing a custom-made porcelain crown over the treated tooth. This crown reinforces the structure, allowing you to bite and chew without worrying about the tooth cracking or breaking.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment offers significant benefits, including:

Pain Relief: The treatment removes the source of infection and inflammation, alleviating the pain and discomfort.
Saving the Natural Tooth: Retaining your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction, as it maintains jawbone health and prevents the neighboring teeth from shifting.
Improving Oral Health: Treating the infection prevents it from spreading to other teeth or into the jawbone, safeguarding your oral health.

In cases where a root canal is not sufficient to restore the tooth, dental implants can be considered an alternative. Dental implants offer a durable, fixed solution for missing teeth and can effectively restore both function and aesthetics.

Root canal treatment is a highly effective way to save a damaged tooth, relieve pain, and prevent further complications. If you're experiencing symptoms of a root canal infection, don't delay in seeking treatment—our dentist in Dunwoody, GA, is here to help you restore your smile and protect your oral health.

To schedule an root canal treatment appointment with us at Brightworks Dentistry, located at 1858 Independence Square Suite A, Dunwoody, GA 30338, please call (770) 458-3600 for bookings and consultations. Please visit us to learn more about the various services we provide.