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A root canal procedure involves removing infected pulp from the root of the tooth. The pulp, which is 5 millimeters deep into the tooth, houses the nerves and blood vessels. When it gets infected, it can spread to the surrounding tissue and cause severe pain.

A root canal procedure involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the area, and filling it with a new substance. If the infection is severe, antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed.

Symptoms of Root Canal Infection

When you have a tooth infection, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Tooth pain or discomfort
• Swelling or redness of the gums
• Abscess
• Tenderness or sensitivity
• Tooth discoloration

It’s important that you address these symptoms as soon as possible. Leaving the infection untreated can lead to more serious health issues.

What Causes Root Canal Infection?

Root canal infection usually develops after tooth decay is left untreated. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar in the foods we eat and produce an acid that dissolves the enamel and dentin of the teeth. This eventually leads to tooth decay and a cavity. If decay is left untreated, the bacteria can infect the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue in the center of the tooth. It houses the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria infect the pulp, the tooth becomes extremely sensitive to pain. The bacterial infection may also occur due to the following reasons:

• A crack or chip in the tooth.
• A fractured tooth root.
• Damage to the tooth pulp 
• Repeated dental procedures.

Explain The Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected tissue from inside the tooth. During a root canal, a dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in root canals) will remove the infected pulp and nerve of the tooth. The dentist will then clean and disinfect the area. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha and sealed. A crown may be used to protect the tooth. The tooth is then capped with a crown. The crown provides protection and stability for the tooth.

Root canals are performed to save an infected tooth. Without treatment, the infection will likely spread to other parts of the mouth, causing further health complications.

Are Root Canal Procedures Safe?

Yes, root canal procedures are extremely safe. Local anesthetics are used to numb the injection site and keep you comfortable during your appointment. Root canal procedures are also performed by skilled, experienced dentists. They know how to best protect your smile while treating the infection.

Root canal procedures help stop the pain caused by a dental infection. If left untreated, this infection may spread throughout your mouth, causing more pain and other severe oral health issues. Once the infection is stopped, your tooth will begin to heal.

Stockton Creative Dental offers comprehensive dental care services in Stockton, CA. For more details and appointments, call us at (209) 466-5000, book online, or visit us at 2043 E, Fremont St. #8 Stockton, CA 95205.