Root Canal Therapy O’Fallon IL
Root canal treatment is required when the pulp is injured or diseased. The pulp is the tissue inside the tooth containing the blood vessels and nerves. The pulp is made up of the pulp chamber located in the center of the tooth portion visible above the gums. It extends into the tooth’s roots via the root canal to the tip of the root, which lies in the bone of the jaws. A tooth can have more than one root and several canals.
Common Causes of Pulp Disease or Injury
Pulp disease or injury has many causes, including:
- Tooth decay
- A deep cavity that required a large filling
- Cracked or fractured tooth, which exposes the pulp
- Repetitive trauma such as teeth grinding or jaw misalignment
- All of which may allow bacteria to enter and infect the pulp
It is important to note that many of these causes can be prevented by practicing good oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing daily, wearing preventative gear when playing sports, and scheduling regular dental visits.
Signs and Symptoms
Being proactive and looking for signs and symptoms of a diseased or injured pulp is vital. These symptoms include:
- Pain to thermal changes, hot and cold
- Spontaneous pain or pain that wakes you up at night
- Constant pain
- Tooth pain to biting or touch
- Swelling of the gum tissues above or around the tooth
The injured or diseased pulp must be removed, or the tissues surrounding the root can become infected, resulting in pain and swelling. Often there is no pain, but the bacteria can cause damage to the bone. Untreated, the tooth may have to be extracted.
If you experience any symptoms of an injured or diseased pulp, please immediately schedule a consultation with Lake Pointe Dental Group to learn if root canal therapy is right for you.
Root Canal Therapy Procedure
Root canal treatment will involve one or more visits to complete. The pulp is removed, filling the canals with a soft material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a filling will be required to build the tooth up, and a crown will need to be placed, which protects the tooth from further fracture.
Root Canal Therapy Aftercare
To ensure the successful outcome of root canal therapy, it is important to prioritize proper aftercare. This includes avoiding hard and sticky foods, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, and getting regular dental check-ups.
Your tooth will be sensitive to biting pressure and may even appear to feel loose. This is a temporary result of the sensitivity of nerve endings in the tissue just outside the end of the root and should not give you a reason to worry. We recommend taking ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort in your tooth felt after the procedure.
Lake Pointe Dental specializes in root canal therapy in O’Fallon, IL. Our doctors have had additional training in root canal treatment and can treat most cases. Due to our training and experience, we know when it is in our patient’s best interest to refer them to a specialist.