Do you think you might have a tooth infection? An endodontist would most likely recommend root canal treatment to treat an infected tooth, particularly if the infection cannot be treated through antibiotics. This article discusses the root canal treatment process an endodontist would follow to treat the tooth infection.
Root canal treatment involves removing diseased dental pulp in the tooth’s pulp chamber located in the center of the tooth’s root. This is the most common procedure endodontists perform for tooth infection. The following is a step-by-step guide on the general process of a root canal.
Besides the local anesthesia, sedation can also be used for root canal treatment in order to make the patient as comfortable as possible. The endodontist and the patient can decide on the best type of sedation. The two most common types for a root canal are oral sedation and nitrous oxide.
After the anesthetic (and sedation, if used) is administered, the endodontist can access the tooth root, which is usually done by drilling a small hole in the tooth to access the dental pulp where the tooth infection is at its worst.
The next step of a root canal procedure is to remove all of the infected dental pulp inside of the root of the tooth as this is what is causing the discomforting symptoms and the prolonged infection. The endodontist can remove the infected portion of the tooth’s root without affecting the healthy part of the tooth.
Once the infected dental pulp is removed, then the tooth is disinfected and cleaned. This is most commonly done with the use of antibiotic treatment. The tooth is then cleaned entirely to help ensure that no future infections are able to develop.
The endodontist can then fill the tooth to restore its shape and ensure that it is strong enough to last for many more years. The material that is used to fill the tooth is known as gutta-percha. This is a thermoplastic filling that is ideal for filling larger cavities, such as those that are filled during a root canal procedure.
The last step in the process is the placement of a dental crown. A temporary crown may be applied immediately after treatment to protect the tooth initially during the recovery stages. Once the permanent crown is created in the lab and sent back to the endodontist, then the patient can come back in for its placement.
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The symptoms of a tooth infection include tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, gums that are tender to the touch, and other symptoms affecting the tooth and surrounding area. If you experience any of these symptoms, then call our dental office today to set up an appointment with an endodontist.
Request an appointment or call Advanced Endodontic Therapy at 402-403-6988 for an appointment in our Omaha office.
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