Historically the very phrase root canal has acquired some pretty unpleasant connotations. With modern medicine, however, they have become a commonplace and painless procedure. When a dentist performs a root canal in Trumbull CT, he or she removes the infected pulp from the center of the affected tooth and replaces it with a medical grade sealant to avoid the introduction of new bacteria. A topical anesthetic such as lydocaine is used to numb the area, so the patient undergoing the root canal procedure actually does not feel anything. In fact, the procedure can provide an almost immediate relief of the pain stemming from the infection.
Not all toothaches can or should be treated with root canals. The pain caused by infections of the pulp and tissue in the center of the tooth is actually very specific. It almost always involves extreme sensitivity to heat and cold, and sometimes occurs spontaneously at night or over the course of the day as well. If left untreated it will often progress to a generalized headache.
Other secondary effects of infections requiring a root canal in Trumbull CT include death of the tooth, which will manifest itself by pain in the area when pressure is applied while chewing, and the formation of abscesses. These can cause significant swelling and bleeding. Should a patient notice swelling around the area, it’s an indication that the situation has reached an emergency level and should be dealt with immediately as the associated infection can very easily spread. When an abscess is present antibiotics will often need to be prescribed before the procedure can be performed.
Other primary causes of tissue death requiring a root canal include deep reaching cavities, acute trauma, and tooth fractures. All of these conditions can sometimes be treated via less drastic measures should the nerve and pulp at the center of the tooth remain protected, and root canals are used only as a last resort. As far as last resorts go, they are quite effective, allowing patients to keep their own teeth where otherwise they would likely need to be removed and replaced with bridges or implants. Visit our website for more information or to schedule a consultation with a qualified dentist.
