Root Canal Solutions in Boise
Root canals and endodontics are vital aspects of dental care focused on preserving natural teeth and alleviating dental pain. These specialized procedures address issues within the innermost part of the tooth, where delicate tissues require expert care to treat infections and maintain oral health. When you have a deep dental infection or abscess, our skilled team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry uses careful endodontic techniques to relieve tooth pain and help preserve your natural teeth.
Root Canal Treatment vs. Endodontic Treatment
Root canal treatment and endodontic treatment are often used interchangeably, but they focus on similar yet distinct aspects of dental care.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is specifically designed to clear an infection from the damaged inner pulp of a tooth, which houses the tooth’s nerves and blood supply, known as the root canal system. The goal is to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
Endodontic treatment refers to a range of procedures that deal with the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. While a root canal is a type of endodontic treatment, other forms of endodontic care might include endodontic surgery, treatments for dental trauma, or the treatment of cracked teeth.
Understanding Dental Structure
A tooth is composed of two parts: the crown of the tooth which is the part of the tooth you can see in the mouth and the root system which extends down into the bone of the jaw and anchors the tooth into position in the mouth.
These two parts are composed of sub structures that include:
- Enamel: the hard outer shell that coats the tooth.
- Dentin: a softer material that supports the enamel and forms the bulk of the tooth.
- Cementum: a hard material that covers the surface of the roots.
- Dental pulp: the soft tissue at the center of the tooth.
The root canal system contains the dental pulp and extends from the tooth crown all the way down to the end of the root. A single tooth can have more than one root canal.
“I wouldn’t trust my teeth with anyone else! I’ve been seeing Dr. B and now Dr. C for about 20 years and have amazing teeth because of it! In the instance when I did need a root canal, Dr. B came into the office on a Saturday evening to remedy the situation. Love my hygienist Kim and one of my first hygienists, Sandra. Everyone treats you like family and as a result, my parents and sibling and their families also entrust their care with the Blaisdells!”
AMBER H.
Why Do Tooth Infections Cause Toothaches?
The pulp of the tooth is composed of soft tissue. The soft tissue includes nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria get into the root canal system it can infect the pulp and the pulp will start to die. When that happens the bacteria multiply. Eventually, the bacteria and the waste they release will pass out of the end of the root canal through the small hole where the blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth. This in turn causes the tissue around the end of the tooth to swell and become red. When this happens your tooth becomes very painful and in some cases, your face may also begin to swell up.
Signs and Symptoms Leading to Root Canal Treatment
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal treatment:
- Severe toothache upon chewing or application of pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (even after the hot or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
Causes Behind the Need for Endodontic Treatment
Understanding what can lead to the need for endodontic treatment can help you seek timely care:
- Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
- Multiple dental procedures on the tooth
- A chip or crack in the tooth
- Trauma to the face that damages the tooth’s nerve
How Does Endodontic Treatment Work?
Endodontic therapy involves a sequence of treatments to get rid of the infection affecting your tooth pulp, removing the bacteria from the root canal system. This process involves cleaning, shaping, and decontaminating the hollow areas inside your tooth with tiny files and irrigating solutions.
After the hollows are thoroughly cleaned they are filled with an inert material and then the tooth is sealed with a filling or a crown. The inflamed tissue at the end of the tooth normally heals without further treatment. The end result is a happy patient who longer has to deal with tooth pain.
Toothache? Contact the Endodontics Experts at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise!
Our dentists are experts in root canal therapy and make the process completely comfortable for our patients. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or swelling in your face please contact us now. We provide fast and effective treatment for patients from throughout the Boise, Meridian, ID areas, and beyond!
