Hearing the words "root canal" is enough to strike fear into the minds of patients, but root canal therapy is actually the start of a journey to less pain, not more. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, don't hesitate; call Decatur Woods Dental for a consultation. We will go over your options and make recommendations to help you eliminate the pain and get your oral health back on track.
Root canal treatments are often erroneously referred to as "root canals,” Although, “root canal” is just a term used to describe the inner pulp chamber of a tooth. Root canal treatment (or root canal therapy) refers to a type of surgical treatment where the infected pulp of the tooth is removed and the root canal is packed with a dental filler.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, upwards of 75% of root canal treatments are performed by general dentists, the rest are performed by endodontists. For more complex procedures, Decatur Woods Dental would be happy to refer you to an endodontist.
Root canal therapy is designed to stop the spread of an infection, eliminate the pain, and ultimately save the tooth. When the pulp of the tooth becomes infected and inflamed, a condition known as "pulpitis" takes form. The inflamed pulp presses against the nerves inside the tooth, leading to persistent pain that can disrupt everyday activities.
Root canal therapy is necessary in instances where a tooth infection cannot be treated with antibiotics and the infection has the potential to become an abscess, which can become a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
When the inner chamber of the tooth (the pulp) becomes infected by bacteria, the result is pulpitis. The pulp of the tooth is home to the tooth's "living tissue" and includes the blood vessels and nerves. There are actually two forms of pulpitis: reversible and irreversible. Reversible forms of pulpitis can be treated without the pulp being removed, whereas the pulp is always removed in cases of irreversible pulpitis.
Here are signs and symptoms you should look out for as they may indicate pulpitis:
If you are experiencing tooth pain, make a point to schedule a checkup with your dentist as soon as possible. If pulpitis goes on untreated it can lead to an infection known as periapical abscess, which can spread to the jawbone, sinuses, and even portions of the brain.
If you suspect that you have a cavity or tooth infection, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Decatur Woods Dental is proud to offer virtually painless root canal therapy for our patients in Indianapolis.
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