Root Canals

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What Is A Root Canal?


A root canal is one of the popular restorative dental treatments performed as a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. A tooth can become infected due to deep decay, injury, or multiple dental works on the same tooth. A root canal treatment involves removing the infected dental pulp, the soft center of the tooth, to halt the spread of the infection. Some of the symptoms of root canal infections include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, swelling around the tooth, and a foul taste in the mouth.

What Can Cause Damage To The Dental Pulp?

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DEEP DECAY


If a deep cavity goes untreated, the pulp can become infected. The bacteria present in the cavity can spread through the tooth, infecting the pulp and resulting in severe pain. A root canal treatment would be needed to alleviate this pain and relieve the symptoms.
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MULTIPLE DENTAL PROCEDURES


When a tooth has multiple dental procedures and repeated drilling, it can produce significant pressure on the tooth and lead to the inflammation of the tooth pulp. Damaged tooth pulp can lead to bacteria multiplying within the pulp chamber, and cause an infection of the dental pulp, requiring root canal therapy to save the tooth.
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A CHIP OR CRACK IN THE TOOTH


A chip or crack in the tooth can happen from biting down on something hard or from a fall. The crack can then affect the dental pulp and leave it infected, causing pain. One of the best treatments to save a severely chipped or cracked tooth is a root canal.
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AN INJURY TO THE TOOTH


If you injure a tooth, it can damage your dental pulp even if the whole tooth stays intact. For instance, if a tooth is hit with great force, the tooth nerves at the tooth root can be severed, which can ultimately lead to the damage and death of the nerve. In such cases, root canal therapy is needed to prevent pain and infection.
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ROOT RESORPTION


Root resorption occurs when the tooth structure gradually dissolves away. This process can happen as a reaction to several reasons - a tooth injury, tooth replantation, or forceful tooth movement during orthodontic procedures. Since root resorption need not necessarily cause any pain, a dental X-ray may be needed to identify the problem.

What Are The Steps Involved In The Root Canal Process?

Consultation

The dentist will review your medical and dental history, take X-rays of the affected tooth, and perform an exam to diagnose the cause of the tooth pain. The dentist will also need to know if you have sensitivities to local anesthetic, if you are pregnant, or if there has been any recent trauma to the tooth.

Have Questions About Root Canal Treatment? Find Answers Here.

Do you have a question? Or do you wish to schedule an appointment with us? Call Dawson Modern Dentistry at (704) 565-9512 or visit Dentist in Matthews, NC at 3555-2 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105.