If you have an infected tooth, you may need to enlist the help of a root canal treatment to repair the tooth. Having a root canal is how your dentist cleans the canals in the damaged tooth’s root.
To do this, your dentist takes out the infected area of the tooth pulp. After it is removed, the area will be cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed to keep out bacteria. Saving a tooth is generally the first goal, rather than extracting it unless necessary.
A root canal procedure might be required for various reasons; if the tooth has sustained an injury, if the tooth has a deep cavity in it, if the tooth has a crack, or even having had repeated dental procedures done on that particular tooth.
To perform a root canal, our dentist will need to determine where the damage is located. We will take a dental X-ray for accuracy. When it comes time for the procedure, you will be made comfortable by having a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the area is numb, our dentist will make an opening allowing the infected tooth pulp to be exposed for removal. Once it is removed, cleaned, and disinfected, the roots will be filled with a rubberlike material called gutta-percha. Finally, it will be sealed with cement.
After the procedure, you will need to practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss at least once, and seeing your dentist for routine cleanings will keep the root canal and your remaining teeth in tip-top condition. Avoiding chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candies will keep your root canal safe and your teeth in good shape.
If you think you might need a root canal, you can schedule an evaluation with our dentist, Dr. Shuyuan Julian Yang by calling us at 973-263-3006. Our Shuyuan Julian Yang, DDS team in Parsippany, New Jersey is ready to help you with all of your oral care needs!