How Does a Root Canal Get Infected?

Teeth are usually so strong that they may seem indestructible. This misconception has made so many people cavalier when caring for their teeth. Even though it is true that your teeth are made of the sturdiest component in the body, they need you to show them love every day. This also means that you need to visit our dentist near you for regular dental appointments.

Failure to do your due diligence, and there will be other issues popping up. The main problems you will have to deal with are tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss. Tooth infection is among the leading causes of tooth loss. This is because tooth infection can get to the inner parts of the teeth (the root canal), and if this is not addressed, you will lose your tooth.

This is why we offer root canal treatment in Ellicott City to ensure that we treat the infection and save your tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure

In a nutshell, the root canal procedure is carried out to remove the infected part of the tooth and save the tooth.

So, you will undergo an examination that will help our dentist determine the extent of the damage. Once our dentist has a clear picture of the state of your tooth, you will schedule an appointment when the procedure will be carried out.

So, when you come to our office, our dentist will perform the root canal procedure as follows:

• • Step 1

The procedure will commence by our dentist administering local anesthesia to ensure that the area is numb. This means that you will be comfortable throughout the procedure since you will not feel pain. Then, our dentist will place a dam to isolate the tooth and ensure that it stays dry and clean throughout the process.

• • Step 2

Next, our dentist will create a small access point at the top part of the tooth using a drill to allow for entry into the root canal. Then, using small files and an irrigating system, our dentist will remove all the damaged and diseased tissue within the root canal.

After ensuring that the root canal is clean, our dentist will shape it. If the infection was severe, our dentist might choose to apply an antimicrobial solution within the hollow of the chamber. This will ensure that any traces of bacteria will be removed to reduce the chances of reinfection.

• • Step 3

After the root canal chamber is dry, our dentist will cover it using a special material known as the gutta-percha. The access point created will also be sealed up using a temporary filling before getting a permanent filling or a tooth crown.

• • Step 4

A few weeks later, you will come back to our office so that our dentist removes the temporary filling and then places the permanent tooth restoration. Our dentist may recommend a crown or a filling, depending on how strong your natural tooth is.

The Causes of Root Canal Infections

Under the hard outer part of your tooth, otherwise known as the enamel, lies the dentin, which is yellowish and a bit softer. Below the dentin, there is the core of the tooth, known as the dental pulp.

This is the part of the tooth that you may say that it’s “alive.” This is because it comprises blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves necessary for the nourishment and growth of your teeth.

This is why the pulp is safely tucked inside the tooth under the enamel (the sturdiest substance in the body).

Even though it is the sturdiest substance in the body, it needs constant care to do its job well. However, you can take care of your teeth as you should, and the structural integrity of the enamel can be compromised. When this happens, the pulp will be exposed, creating room for bacteria to thrive.

The enamel can be structurally compromised due to:

• A severe cavity
• Trauma
• A cracked tooth
• Large tooth filling
• Several dental procedures that have affected the root canal

How Can Such Infections Be Cured?

When the pulp is diseased or inflamed, the bacteria will accumulate in the chamber. After some time, you will notice that your gums are swollen and filled with pus, an infection known as a dental abscess.

At this stage, a root canal is the only option that guarantees that your tooth is salvaged and the infection is removed. This means that the infected pulp has to be removed. Your tooth can still function without the pulp, especially when your teeth are fully developed.

Once the pulp is removed and the area is sealed, your tooth will be disease-free.

So, do you think that your root canal is infected? Contact us at Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, and we would love to restore your oral health.