Modern dentistry now makes it possible to save a tooth, even if the nerve is infected or dead. Root Canal Treatment in O’Fallon MO is used to clean out severely damaged teeth. This procedure is very common, and knowing what to expect beforehand will make it easier for the patient.
Reasons a Root Canal Is Needed
Healthy teeth don’t feel pain because the nerve is protected by the surrounding tooth structure. However, deep decay or an injury may compromise the tooth enamel, exposing the soft interior. If the damage reaches far enough, the nerve may be affected. In the worse case scenario, the nerve becomes infected with bacteria.
A dying nerve is very painful. Patients report the pain being constant and unbearable. Before root canals were made popular, dentists would simply extract the inflamed tooth. Today, however, Root Canal Treatment in O’Fallon MO is recommended to save severely damaged or decayed teeth.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal involves removing diseased, inflamed tissue from a tooth. The tooth is opened with a dental drill, and the dentist carefully removes all of the pulp. Once this tissue is gone, the tooth is considered dead and will no longer feel any pain.
After removing the diseased pulp, the dentist then carefully fills all of the roots of the tooth with a special rubber compound. This process is complicated and detailed, especially in larger teeth that have more roots. Once the roots have been filled, the tooth is sterilized and sealed shut.
Aftercare
After a successful root canal, the patient will no longer experience any pain in the treated tooth. However, the tooth is now structurally weaker than before. The dentist may recommend covering the tooth with a dental crown. This reinforces the tooth and reduces the risk of cracking.
Teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy often last for many years. If the root canal fails, extraction may be necessary. Treating a tooth at the first sign of infection is the best way to ensure a root canal goes as planned. Click here to learn other ways to treat and protect decayed or damaged teeth.
