What is Root Canal Therapy, and When Do You Need It?
Many people dread hearing the words, ‘root canal therapy’, but very few people really know what the process actually involves. Root canal therapy is simply used to remove an infection from inside a tooth and prevent it from returning in the future. Furthermore, root canal treatment can eliminate any pain or discomfort you’re currently experiencing.
A tooth is made up of two parts: the crown, which you can see above the gum line, and the root, which sits below the gum. Inside the tooth, there is a material known as pulp. This consists of cells that nourish the tooth, as well as tiny blood vessels and nerves.
If this pulp becomes infected, the nerves tend to become irritated and you might experience pain or discomfort. By performing root canal therapy, your dentist can remove bacteria and infection from inside the tooth and protect the tooth from future infections. In many cases, a root canal treatment actually enables you to save the tooth, rather than having it removed.
When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is Jackson, Wyoming is routinely used when the inside of your tooth shows signs of infection or inflammation. If your tooth is particularly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, for example, this could indicate that the nerves inside the tooth are irritated. Alternatively, if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, this may be because there is an infection present in the tooth.
As well as visually examining your mouth, your dentist may take x-rays of the affected tooth to see whether any infection or inflammation is visible. Based on this, in conjunction with your symptoms, your dentist will determine whether root canal therapy is an appropriate course of treatment.
How is Root Canal Therapy Performed?
Before beginning the procedure, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to ensure the area is completely numb. Following this, he or she will drill a tiny hole into the tooth or make a small incision or hole in the gum. This enables them to access the inside of the tooth, where they can remove the pulp, bacteria, and infection.
Your dentist will then clean inside the tooth and apply a microbial solution to prevent infection from forming in the future. Subsequently, dental cement is used to seal the root canals. If the infection also caused damage to the crown of the tooth, your dentist may repair this with a filling or by placing a crown over the tooth. In some cases, a temporary filling may be applied, and you will return for a second appointment to fit a permanent filling or crown.
Schedule a Root Canal Treatment Today
If you suspect you might need root canal therapy, why not talk to a member of a friendly team today? We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, and you can schedule an appointment at a time and date that’s convenient for you. For root canal therapy in Jackson, Wyoming, contact Dental Care of Jackson Hole now at (307) 732-2273.