What Are Root Canals?

A root canal is where a bacterial infection spreads into the heart and chamber of the tooth affecting the nerve. Root canals actually happen quite frequently when proper attention is lacking and neglected. Inside of a tooth below the top layer of enamel, there is a part of the tooth called the dentin. The dentin is the last layer of the tooth that is aims to protect the nerve chamber. Right below the dentin is the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that helps to feed, nourish, and supply blood and oxygen to the tooth. The pulp also helps the tooth to mature into what we call an adult tooth. When the pulp becomes infected, it causes excruciating pain because of the nerve endings in the pulp. A dentist needs to properly clean the nerve out before the infection and pain become more severe. Root canals are needed when the pulp becomes infected, a previous root canal fails, a crown was not properly sealed, a tooth that experienced trauma and had bacteria leak into the tooth, or pulp damage. Tooth infections can be caused by many different things. Most commonly, tooth infections are caused by dental decay and dental caries (cavities).

What Happens During A Root Canal?

The nerve and pulp are now affected by bacteria, so the root canal is used to remove the pulp, stop the infection, and then seal the tooth again to ensure that an infection does not occur again. When a root canal or any other endodontic treatment is performed, your dentist will gently cut into the tooth to remove the infected pulp. After the cutting of the tooth is done, your dentist will clean the inside of the tooth to remove any decay, bacteria, or other waste. After the tooth is completely cleaned, your dentist will take a gutta-percha (rubber like material) to fill the tooth ensuring that no other bacteria can enter the tooth. Once the gutta-percha is inside the tooth, your dentist will seal the tooth to add more protection from bacteria entering the tooth. Some ways dentists seal the tooth is with crowns, filling, and bridges.

What Should You Do When A Root Canal Fails?

If root canals are not done when the infection first occurs it can be detrimental to the tooth and cause the infection to spread. The pulp and oral cavity (the whole mouth) are directly connected to your lymphatic system (your tissues and organs that carry fluid to the heart). If the infection spreads, it can cause a widespread infection throughout your whole body. When a root canal fails, this does not necessarily mean that you will need to take the tooth out. A retreatment can be done to save your tooth. A retreatment is where a root canal specialist tries the root canal one more time to save your tooth from needing to be pulled.

If you are in any immediate pain or discomfort and in need of a root canal in South Gate, CA, schedule your appointment with Omid Dental’s root canal specialists here.