
Root Canal Hillsboro OR![]() What is Root Canal Treatment?A root canal is the space inside the root of a tooth. It is a naturally existing space within the tooth made up of the pulp chamber, the main canal, and more complicated anatomical branches that may hold the root canals to the roots surface. Every root may consist of one or two canals. This space is filled with a highly vascularized, loose connective tissue: dental pulp. The dental pulp is the tissue that creates the dentin portion of the tooth. In this treatment, the infected area is cleaned until it is free from bacteria. after disinfecting the affected part, it is sterilized and filled, then later, sealed with a crown. Treating Dental Infections EffectivelyThe main reason why root canal procedures are popular is their effectiveness in treating dental infections. Infected teeth cause discomfort that comes in the form of toothaches and swellings. It can also cause critical health complications as the bacteria that cause the infection can get into the bloodstream and move to other parts of the body. As such, this treatment will address the issue that is causing the toothache. It makes a lot of sense to remove the tooth and then disinfect the area. However, this leaves gaps between the surrounding teeth necessitating a dental implant or a bridge. This is why many people prefer to save their natural teeth by opting for root canal treatment rather than having their tooth extracted. Usually the treatment is obtained by placing a cap on the affected tooth. Who Needs A Root Canal?Your teeth are very strong. They put up with a significant amount of use every single day. While strong, however, the teeth are not indestructible. They can be faced with decay or physical damage that can compromise not only their appearance but their health as well. When damage is severe enough, the damaged tooth is at risk for developing a serious infection. How Do Bacteria Get In?The outermost layer of your teeth, the enamel is hard and mineralized. Below the enamel is the dentin layer. This layer is also hard, though not as hard as your enamel. It contains the hollow canals that lead to the roots of your teeth. Under the dentin is the pulp or soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. While the enamel is exceptionally hard, it can still be damaged. If damage or decay goes past the enamel into the dentin, it opens up a direct path for bacteria into the inner layers of the tooth. The bacteria multiply and fill up the canals and attack the pulp. The pulp then becomes irritated and inflamed, infecting the tooth and causing significant pain. Symptoms of a Tooth InfectionA painful toothache is one of the most common symptoms of an infected tooth. Other symptoms include:
How is an Infection Diagnosed?Before receiving a root canal, an infection in your tooth first needs to be diagnosed. This is done with an oral examination. We first inspect the condition of your teeth, checking for signs of damage and decay. Your gums are looked over closely for redness and swelling. In addition to a visual exam, we also take digital x-rays. These images show us the areas under your gums. We can see tooth damage below the gum line, bone loss, and dental abscesses. After we diagnose the infection, we can then move forward and create a customized treatment plan. Conducting a Root CanalA root canal should only be performed by a trained and experienced dentist. When performed properly, a root canal can be helpful. They are not as painful as many people assume it to be. It is just like having a cavity filled, only a bit more complicated. The whole process involves the removal of dead or infected pulp from the interior of the tooth. Once all of the debris has been flushed out, the tooth can be filled and sealed. What can I expect during root canal treatment?There are two parts to a root canal procedure: opening and cleaning. During the opening, the dentist will drill into your tooth to access its pulp, the living tissue inside. Then the dentist will use a series of small files to clean out all of the infected pulp and surrounding area. After that, the dentist will seal up your tooth to prevent it from leaking. After sealing it up, the dentist will fill in any remaining holes with more dental resin. Finally, the dentist will polish the material to make the entire tooth smooth. Root Canal Treatment in Hillsboro ORHoffman Dental is dedicated to ensuring that you get the best dental services. Our dentists are well trained and will professionally treat your teeth. For more information on root canals, please contact our dental time at (503) 648-7700 today. |