A root canal is a procedure that is recommended in an attempt to save a patient’s natural tooth. A dentist may suggest a root canal for a severely damaged, decayed, or broken tooth. During a root canal, the infected tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the infected portion of the tooth is removed.
Tooth Decay & Root Canals
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues that patients develop. Tooth decay develops when the bacteria in the mouth mix with the sugar and your food, which creates plaque. Plaque is a clear, tacky substance that can only be removed by a dentist.
If plaque is not properly removed, it can begin to break down your tooth enamel. Once the first layer of the tooth erodes away, the plaque will attack the dentin and may eventually reach the center of the tooth, which is where the nerves are.
When the decay reaches the center of the tooth, you may feel symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, toothache, and general discomfort. These symptoms may indicate that you need a root canal.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you may want to visit Design Dental for consultation with North Liberty, IA dentist Dr. Tu.
Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you may want to contact our office for a dental exam.
- Discoloration of a tooth
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold drinks and foods
- Throbbing in the teeth
- Burning sensation in the tooth or a certain area of your mouth
- Tenderness or swelling in the gums
A root canal is typically needed when:
- A deep cavity infects the pulp of the tooth
- Severe cracks, fractures, or chips in the tooth that expose the tooth root or pulp
- A tooth that has undergone several dental procedures
What To Expect During Root Canal Treatment
To prepare the affected tooth for a root canal, Dr. Tu will use special tools to open the tooth. Next, he will gently clean the tooth and remove all the decayed and infected portions of the tooth. It is important that all decay and the infected portion of the tooth is removed before the tooth is filled. Once the necessary parts of the tooth are removed, Dr. Tu will carefully fill the tooth with a composite material and seal it to sustain the integrity of the tooth.
Root Canal Therapy in North Liberty, IA
A root canal is often recommended to help save a damaged tooth and avoid tooth extraction and replacement. The best way to determine if a root canal is right for you is to visit a trusted and respected dentist in your area.
At Design Dental, we offer a full range of restorative and general dentistry treatment options to help you improve the health and function of your smile. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call (319) 208-6095 or request an appointment online.