The inner sanctum of each tooth has live tissue (pulp) and nerves. This area is called the root canal, which connects each tooth to the central nervous system. When the root is damaged, decayed or infected, the pulp and nerves can be affected, causing pain and other problems. At Neville Dental Studio, we perform root canal therapy for infected teeth at our dental centers in Scottsville, Horse Cave and Bowling Green, KY.
If a tooth is infected or abscessed, the inflammation can press on the nerves in the root canals. Once the pulp and nerves are diseased, the tooth is at risk of dying. There are usually only two choices when the infection reaches the pulp inside the canals of tooth roots – extract and remove the tooth, or perform root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy is performed similarly to removing cavities, but it is deeper and more complex. The root canals are accessed by drilling a hole at the crown of the tooth, then the diseased pulp and nerve roots are removed. The inside of the roots are disinfected to stop the infection, then filled with a sterilized material. The crown of the tooth is sealed, and a dental crown is usually added to protect the weakened structure.
Root canal treatment can stop the pain of an infected tooth and save it from extraction. This is also known as endodontic treatment, which involves the inner canals and pulp of the tooth. Root canal therapy is not painful – patients experience a similar level of discomfort as getting a cavity removed. Once the nerves are removed, the inner tooth will no longer have pain or sensitivity. The gums around the tooth may be sore but the severe pain of infection will be gone.
Damaged or infected teeth can cause severe pain and jeopardize the health of your smile. If you have severe tooth pain, you may need root canal therapy to save your tooth. At Neville Dental Studio, we perform root canals and offer emergency dentistry for those with infected teeth. Call our dental center near you if you need a dental appointment. We have locations in the Scottsville, Horse Cave and Bowling Green, KY, areas.
