What Do You Need To Know About Root Canals?

By Arthur Kezian

If you have heard about a root canal therapy but are not aware of what it is, then Dr. Kezian can enlighten you. A root canal is a treatment that can save a person’s decayed or infected tooth. The procedure involves removal of tooth pulp or nerve that provides nourishment to the tooth for saving the tooth from decay or infection. After removal, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed for preventing future health risks. If this treatment is avoided, then tissues surrounding the tooth may become infected which will ultimately result in the formation of abscesses.

Detailed Procedure of the Treatment:

·         “Root Canal” is actually a term used for describing the center cavity that resides in the center of the tooth.

·         Inside there is a soft area called the pulp chamber.

·         The never that provides nourishment lies in the pulp chamber.

·         During the treatment, that nerve is removed for preventing the growth of infection.

·         After removal, the pulp chamber is cleaned and sealed for avoiding future risks.

What Will Happen When the Nourishing Nerve Gets Removed?

·         Actually, nothing. Although that nerve is known as the nourishment providing never, it is not necessary for the health of a tooth.

·         Its function is sensory, meaning if it is removed, you will not feel temperature around that tooth (hot or cold sensation).

Importance of This Treatment:

·         If treatment is avoided, then the infection will grow continuously.

·         Growth of infection will result in the blockage of the tissue of a tooth.

·         If tissue gets broken, an abscess will eventually form. 

·         Slowly the infection will spread around the surrounding teeth and will cause a lot of pain.

Causes of Nerve or Pulp Damage:

There are a number of reasons behind the damage of a nerve or pulp. Some of them are given below:

·         Irritation or infection by tooth decay

·         Several dental treatments to the same tooth

·         Large fillings

·         A crack or a chip

·         A facial trauma

Symptoms of Pulp Damage:

Symptoms vary, and sometimes there may be no symptom at all. However, a dentist will agree that some classic signs of the problem include:

·         Severe toothache while applying pressure for chewing

·         Sensitivity in gums

·         Swollen gums

·         Darkening of the tooth

Along with these given signals, a pimple on the gums is sign of abscess and indicates that treatment is necessary.

Are There Any Side Effects of This Treatment?

Generally there are no side effects in most cases. Treatments provided by Dr. Kezian and staff have a fair success rate of 95%, but like other treatments, misdiagnosis is possible in this one too. New problems may take place after the treatment; some of those problems are:

·         Undetected crack in the root of a tooth

·         Eventual blockage on inner sealing material

However, chances of any infection are very rare and most treatments get completed successfully.

Are There Any Alternatives?

There are alternatives, but this one is the most common treatment that is applied to the patient by a root canal dentist. Generally, there are only three treatments for preventing the infection that is originating in the pulp:

·         Root Canal

·         Endodontic surgery

·         Extraction

The top 2 methods are used for preserving the tooth and stopping the infection, while the last treatment is applied only if salvage is impossible. Among the top 2 treatments, which one should be applied depends on the level of damage that has happened because of infection. This is decided by dentist.

If you are facing any of the above given symptoms and need a root canal, then make an appointment with Dr. Kezian as soon as possible for a diagnosis of the problem.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777

-N.S.