When your tooth is in danger of requiring extraction, a root canal can restore its function. Manal Ismail, DDS, is an experienced dentist who performs root canal therapy at Royal Dental Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan. As a root canal specialist, Dr. Ismail can perform the treatment in-office, eliminating the need for an outside referral. To learn more about root canal treatment, call Royal Dental Center or schedule an appointment online today.
A root canal is a tooth-saving treatment that restores a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Root canals treat teeth in danger of requiring extraction due to infection or decay.
In the center of each tooth is a chamber that contains pulp, a soft material that contains blood vessels and nerves. While pulp is vital during your early tooth development, it doesn’t serve a major function once your permanent teeth reach maturity.
Decay that reaches the pulp can cause severe pain. It may also spread to other teeth and cause additional damage. Root canal treatment removes the pulp completely and replaces it with a biocompatible material to save your tooth and prevent complications.
At Royal Dental Center, your dentist can spot signs of deep decay during your routine teeth cleanings and dental exams, which often include digital X-rays. A tooth infection or decay that reaches the pulp can also cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
If a small pimple forms on your gums near the base of your tooth, you may have a dental abscess. This pus-filled sac can contain harmful bacteria that may spread into your bloodstream if ruptured.
Before root canal treatment, your dentist at Royal Dental Center administers an anesthetic to numb your tooth before creating an access hole in the center.
Next, they use specialized dental tools to remove the entire pulp from the tooth chamber. Your dentist also cleans out the entire cavity and disinfects the area to remove any trace of bacteria.
Finally, your dentist replaces the pulp with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, and seals the access hole.
If your dentist thinks the tooth is weak or needs additional protection, they may recommend a dental crown. This tooth-shaped cap protects vulnerable teeth from damage. It also provides a barrier to block out bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
To learn more about root canal therapy, call Royal Dental Center or schedule an appointment online today.