Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.
Root canal procedures are performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canal procedures have the wrong reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is not painful at all. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to a seeking of dental care is truly the painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself. If you're having pain or sensitivity in any of your teeth call today 508.366.8808 to reserve an appointment with Dr. Chelsea Perry
The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the center of the tooth. The tooth's nerve lies within root canals, which lie within the roots or "legs" of the tooth. The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth's root into the pulp chamber, which also contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.
A tooth's nerve is not vitally important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory -- to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
Why Does the Pulp Need to Be Removed?
When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:
- Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
- Bone loss around the tip of the root
- Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.
What Damages a Tooth's Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
A tooth's nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.
What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
Signs you may need a root canal include:
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
At Elite Dental Care of Westborough Dr. Chelsea Perry is highly trained and experienced to give you the best root canal treatment in Westborough MA. All you need to do is relax in our comfortable heated and massage chairs while watching a movie with our Sony personal 3d goggles. Root Canals are one of our many specialties here at Elite Dental Care in Westborough MA.
Dental care is an absolute must for the young and old. If root canal treatment is necessary, trust the experts to handle the job for you. Come to Dr. Chelsea Perry at Elite Dental Care in Westborough MA, and experience great service, top quality dental treatments and definitely lots of wonderful amenities. For any inquiries about this service, Call us at (508) 366-8808 today!