What are its Symptoms?

Most patients with an infected nerve do not exhibit any symptoms at all until their dentist at Varni Dental in San Jose discovers the cavity during a routine exam and cleaning. That is why regular six-month appointments are so important to maintaining good oral health and avoiding serious complications from untreated infections.

The infected tooth would appear severely discolored from the adjoining healthy teeth

Severe pain and discomfort, especially while chewing food, brushing the teeth, etc.

• Bleeding and discharge of pus from the gums
• Severe foul breath
• The infected tooth displays elevated sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• It may gradually loosen from the socket as a result of jawbone deterioration.

What Is A Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infected or damaged teeth. The procedure involves removing infected or damaged tissue from the tooth and replacing it with a dental filling. A root canal is a type of dental procedure that is used to remove infected pulp tissue from a tooth. This pulp is located inside the tooth, under the protective layers of enamel and dentine. Once the diseased tissue is removed, the damaged area of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed with a dental crown or filling.

This procedure is needed when decay has progressed into the root of the tooth, and the decay can't be treated with a regular filling. If left untreated, this decay could lead to an abscessed tooth. An abscess is the result of an infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Symptoms of an abscess include intense pain, fever, facial swelling, gum redness, drainage from the gums, and a bad taste in the mouth. If you suspect that you have an abscess, see your San Jose dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

Fortunately, most teeth can be saved with root canal therapy.

Generally, patients can return to their normal routine once they feel up to it. However, you shouldn't chew on the treated area until the dentist says it's okay to do so. In some cases, your dentist may place a filling or temporary crown over the tooth immediately following treatment. This will protect your tooth while you wait for your permanent restoration to be created.

If the infection has spread significantly to other teeth, you may need additional treatments such as tooth extractions and a dental implant. Your dentist will discuss all of your treatment options with you beforehand and help you select the one that is right for you.

If you have any questions about your upcoming procedure, please contact us. We would be happy to speak with you!

How is Root Canal Infection treated?

The dentist will make a hole in the infected tooth to extract the dental pulp. Since this process can be painful, we will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth, surrounding gums, and underlying jawbone. The decayed pulp will be extracted, and the root canal cavity will be cleaned thoroughly using a jet of water. Before the hole is sealed off using a suitable tooth-closed filling material, antibiotic medication will be placed in it to prevent reinfection.

How is the Tooth Restored?

Removing the dental pulp from the tooth can gradually weaken it, as the tooth wouldn't receive any nourishment or sensation. It would be more susceptible to damage when you bite anything hard or sustain a high-impact blow to the mouth. Hence, we usually recommend getting the tooth restored using a dental crown made from tooth-colored ceramic material. The crown can be customized to match the exact appearance of the adjoining teeth, and it holds the tooth intact and prevents any damage.

What Are The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a restorative procedure that replaces infected or damaged pulp with a filling material. When left untreated, an infection can occur and lead to tooth loss. Having an infected nerve also means the tooth is susceptible to fracture. By addressing the cause of the problem through root canal therapy, we can save your tooth from extraction and prevent further problems.

With proper dental care in San Jose, your restored tooth can last a lifetime. We can place a crown or other restoration over the treated tooth to provide it with additional support and protection from further damage. We would be happy to discuss your options for restoring your smile during a consultation at our office.

Is Root Canal Treatment Safe?

Root canal treatment is extremely safe and effective, with about 95% of treated teeth surviving for at least 10 years following their procedure. The risk of complications is very low compared to the benefit of saving your tooth, which is compromised due to decay or infection. However, there are still some risks to consider. A dentist will review your medical history to determine whether an extraction or other alternative is more appropriate for you.

Tooth fractures are not uncommon during or after the procedure. They usually occur as a result of significant decay that weakens the tooth. During root canal treatment, the infected pulp and roots are removed; removing the blood supply can lead to a fracture of the tooth. This is why a crown is recommended after treatment to protect the tooth from additional breakage. Crowns typically last about 15 to 20 years.

Some patients may experience flare-ups of symptoms like pain or swelling in the days following the procedure. This is normal and should subside within a few days. If it does not, you should contact your dentist. There is some risk that a nerve could be injured during treatment. If this does occur, you will likely experience some numbness in the area surrounding the problem tooth. This is usually temporary and rarely painful. In rare instances, the numb feeling can be permanent in very extreme cases. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned.

Schedule an online appointment or call our dental practice to have a consultation with our Dentist in San Jose CA at Varni Dental, and we'll guide you further.