When a tooth has diseased or damaged dental pulp, your dentist may need to perform a root canal therapy in Forest Hill to save the tooth. The dental pulp is a strand of tissue that is located within the tooth’s structure and continues down to the root. Dental pulp is full of nerves and blood vessels which help form your tooth. However, if the tooth becomes injured or damaged in a way that affects the dental pulp, it may cause the dental pulp to die.
Common ways that the dental pulp becomes damaged is through deep decay or if the tooth has experienced deep damage through a break or crack. This can allow bacteria to enter through the opening and potentially cause an infection in the dental pulp. This has the risk of causing, pain, swelling, and abscess to develop. If the damage becomes serious, it may be recommended that the entire tooth is removed to preserve your oral health. However, in some cases root canal therapy can be used to save the tooth by extracting the diseased dental pulp tissue.
Your dentist in Forest Hill may need to perform one to three root canal procedures, depending on the complexity of your individual circumstance. During the root canal procedure, the dentist will clean and numb the tooth to reduce the discomfort experienced during the procedure. A dental dam will likely be placed around the tooth to reduce the risk of bacteria in your mouth entering during the procedure. An opening is made in the tooth and the inner pulp tissue is taken out. The inner chamber is then cleaned and refilled with a dental material before resealing the tooth. After this, a dental restoration, such as a crown, is adhered to the tooth to help protect it from further damage.
Dr. Paul Deratnay, your Forest Hill dentist, can provide you with root canal therapy if applicable and will work with you to help preserve your oral health. Contact our dental office today or request an appointment online.