Years ago, if your tooth had a diseased nerve, you would probably end up losing that tooth. Fortunately today, it is possible to save a tooth with nerve damage by having root canal therapy. Inside every tooth is the pulp which runs down to the root like a thread. The pulp tissue can die if it becomes diseased or injured. The tooth can get infected if the diseased or dead pulp is not removed. If the infected tooth does not get treated, you could lose that tooth.

A root canal procedure can possibly save your tooth and make it stronger after the infection. This may be done in a series of one to three visits and involves the removal of the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and canals of the root are cleaned out, removing all of the diseased pulp tissue, and is then sealed.

Your treatment starts with an opening through the crown of the tooth to reveal the pulp chamber. The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned thoroughly and enlarged. A temporary filling will be placed in the opening to protect your tooth in between visits. Medicine may be given if necessary to help control infection.

The next step involves filling and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals after the temporary filling is removed and the area is cleaned. The final step is placing a crown over the tooth to protect and seal the exposed tooth. Your tooth is now healthy and strong again. The restored tooth can last a lifetime if proper care is taken.

A tooth abscess, also called root abscess, forms when pus is collected between the tissues of the jaw and an infected tooth root. It results from complications with tooth decay or a broken/chipped tooth. When there is an opening in the tooth enamel, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause an infection. This infection can spread from the tooth to the rest of the bones supporting the tooth. A failed root canal treatment can also cause this.

There are three types of dental abscess – gingival, periapical, and periodontal. Gingival abscess only involves the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth. A periapical abscess starts in the dental pulp, the part in the center of the tooth made up of cells and living soft tissue. Periodontal abscess affects the supporting bone and tissue of the tooth.

Symptoms start with a severe toothache. This ache will be persistent and continuous with sharp, shooting, or throbbing pains. Your body will react to the infection and possibly cause a fever, migraine, swollen neck glands, bitter taste or bad breath, and swelling might occur. If you feel any of these symptoms, get your teeth checked immediately by one of our dental professionals.

There are different treatments depending on the severity of your dental abscess. Topical treatments and antibiotics may be given or a root canal can be performed if the tooth can be saved and restored. If the tooth must be removed, you have several options to replace it such as a dental implant. This will be done after you have been treated and there is no sign of an infection.

You just had that dreaded, but very necessary, root canal. What do you do now?

Pain and discomfort is common after a root canal and will eventually subside. If desired, it can be treated with over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. The medicine will alleviate swelling and sensitivity. Discuss this with your dentist and doctor to find out which medication is right for you.

It is wise to minimize chewing on this tooth until the entire procedure is completely finished. This will decrease the chances of the same tooth getting contaminated again or breaking from fragility. Brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would will prevent bacteria from building up inside your mouth and within your teeth. Routine dental checkups are important for the maintenance of your teeth post-procedure.

Sleeping with your head elevated for the first few nights will take away from unnecessary pressure on your tooth. Eating soft foods for the first few days is advised, avoiding extremely hot or cold temperatures. Your dentist may put you on an antibiotic regimen that you must follow to ensure the recovery of your tooth.

Smoking should be eliminated for at least the first 24 hours and then cut down afterwards because it can slow down the healing process. Avoid alcoholic beverages and strenuous exercise until you are completely healed. By following these safety precautions, you have a better chance of adequately healing and maybe even forgetting you had a root canal to begin with.