Root Canal

Endodontics deals with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root tissues of the tooth.  The root canal is the most common endodontic procedure, which is usually done to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. 

The pulp which is composed of nerves and blood vessels in the tooth gets infected or damaged needs to goes through root canal therapy. The procedure isn’t painful at all, but the discomfort experienced during the period leads to seeking dental care.  

Can the pulp damage cause any infection? 

Bacteria begin to multiply when the pulp damages and breaks down the pulp chamber. These bacteria can cause an infection or abscessed tooth, i.e., a tooth filled with pus pockets that form at the end of a tooth’s root. This can lead to:

• Swelling that may proliferate to other areas of the face, neck, or head 
• Around the tip of the root, you may experience bone loss 
• Drainage problems expanding outward from the root. 

A hole can take place through the side of the tooth, with drainage into the gums or through the cheek into the skin. 

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection? 

Major symptoms that denote a root canal is necessary includes: 

• Unbearable toothache 
• Pain while chewing or biting 
• Very high sensitivity to heat and cold 
• Prolonged bad breath 
• Bulging of lymph nodes in the neck 
• Swollen face 
• Fever 

What is the procedure of root canal? 

During a root canal, dentists remove all underlying infection. Then, they will fill your root system so that further infection can’t form. After that, your tooth will be capped with a dental crown that looks and functions like a real tooth. You can’t have any chewing food, as avoiding it, will help in avoiding recontamination of the tooth’s interior and also prevent a fragile tooth from breaking. 

In the beginning, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation. But this discomfort or pain can be relieved with the pain medications. Still, it is necessary to get regularly checked by your dentist at the scheduled intervals. It is also important to keep your oral health care routine by brushing and flossing regularly. 

What are the benefits of a root canal? 

The benefits of having a root canal is that: 

• Root canals seal out infection 
• It prevents cracking and leaking, which is caused by dental fillings 
• They are a better permanent solution to infected teeth and root systems.  

Call us at 408.286.3229 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Boger for a consultation at our office in San Jose,  CA.