A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside a tooth’s hollow chamber. The pulp consists of soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. This treatment saves the tooth by eliminating infection and preventing further damage.
This anatomical design of teeth is what makes toothaches so very painful. The hard structure of a tooth completely surrounds the pulp tissue, leaving no room for the pulp to increase in size. Soft tissue in other areas of the body can simply swell outward when inflamed or infected. When something causes infection or inflammation of the pulp, the pulp can only build in pressure within that hard chamber. This leads to sharp, shooting, or throbbing pains that are severe in intensity.
A root canal treatment stops toothaches by removing the inflamed or infected nerves and blood vessels from the affected tooth. It also cleans the internal surface of the hollow chamber, preventing any renewed infection from inside the tooth. After the dentist removes all of the soft tissue and cleans the hard tissue, he or she fills in the hollow chamber with a biocompatible filling material to seal the tooth from any future bacterial contamination.
Many people shorten the official term “root canal treatment” to simply a “root canal”. The reason for this name is the anatomical terms we use to describe teeth. The hollow space in the tooth extends down each root in a narrow form, called the root canal. Because some teeth have more than one root, a root canal treatment may involve cleaning and sealing up to four canals.
A few steps in the root canal treatment process set it apart from other dental procedures. We do use the same type of local anesthetic to eliminate any pain and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The unique aspects of root canal treatments are these:
Rubber dam isolation – Due to the need for a sterile working field, your dentist will isolate the tooth being treated using a rubber dam. Not only does this keep saliva and bacterial contamination from reaching the tooth; it keeps the materials and instruments the dentist uses from reaching the inside of your mouth.
X-ray evaluation – During a root canal procedure, your dentist uses x-rays to periodically monitor progress and evaluate the position of the canals and the filling material.
During the treatment itself, you may feel some light pressure or pushing. The dentist uses tiny files to clean the inside of the tooth, and you may notice a sensation similar to filing a fingernail. You should not feel any pain during the procedure.
In many cases, your dentist will complete the root canal treatment by covering the sealed canal with a temporary filling. In other cases, the dentist may place a permanent filling and proceed immediately with the preparation for a crown. Because a root canal treatment removes the fluid supply from a tooth, the tooth is at a higher risk for cracks because it becomes brittle and dehydrated. Teeth with root canal treatment do require full coverage with a crown to prevent cracking in the future.
Immediately after the root canal treatment, it is normal to experience some tenderness or pain at the site of the dental work. Patients with infections around the affected teeth will likely receive prescriptions for oral antibiotics. It is important for you to follow the post-operative instructions for care and medications as closely as possible.
For more information on root canal therapy, read our blog on Why Is My Tooth Grey.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Northglenn, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.