Ask a General Dentist: Is a Tooth Dead After a Root Canal

Ask a General Dentist: Is a Tooth Dead After a Root Canal from Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. in Hemet, CAThere is no need to fear if your general dentist has recommended root canal treatment. This dental procedure is performed on millions of patients every year and is similar to a routine filling. It is a beneficial procedure that saves a tooth that has become infected or damaged. Many patients wonder if the tooth is dead after the treatment is completed. The answer to this question lies in understanding the anatomy of a tooth and the root canal process.

Anatomy of a tooth

Each tooth is made up of four layers of tissues. Three of these layers, including the enamel, dentin, and cementum, are hard substances that cover and protect various parts of the tooth. The fourth type is called the pulp, and it is a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp chamber is responsible for helping the root of a tooth grow during development.

After a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without the pulp because it receives nutrients from surrounding tissues. For this reason, the tooth does not become "dead" following a root canal treatment.

4 steps to root canal treatment

A general dentist recommends root canal treatment as an effective way to save a tooth rather than removing it. Below are the four steps followed during a root canal.

1. X-rays

First, the dental professional takes X-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone. This provides a clear picture of the structure and condition of the tooth. After the X-rays are completed, a dental dam is placed to protect the site from saliva and keep it clean.

2. Pulpectomy

Using a small drill, an opening is created at the top of the tooth to access the dental pulp. Small files are used to extract the damaged pulp and shape the interior of the tooth. The dental professional may irrigate the tooth chamber to ensure the area is clear of infection. An antimicrobial solution is often used to kill bacteria in the tooth to prevent further infection.

3. Filling

Once the interior of the tooth is cleaned and dried, a material, called gutta-percha, is used to fill the tooth. The opening is then closed with a temporary filling. The patient schedules a follow-up appointment to allow time for healing and for a permanent crown to be made.

4. Permanent Crown

After several weeks, the general dentist places a permanent crown over the tooth. If the crown needs additional support, a metal post may be placed inside the tooth to make it more stable.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Hemet, CA

Conclusion

Though a root canal involves removing the nerves from inside a tooth, the tooth continues to function as normal. The nerves play an insignificant role in a fully developed tooth; thus, the tooth is still alive. A root canal is a beneficial treatment that saves a tooth from extraction and allows a patient to maintain a healthy smile. A patient who practices good oral care and visits a general dentist regularly can expect a restored tooth to last a lifetime.

Request an appointment or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at 951-707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: 4 Daily Habits For Your Oral Health Recommended By A Dentist

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth strong. From using the correct oral care products to seeking a general dentist regularly, there are plenty of steps you can take to achieve a healthy smile. Here are four daily habits that you should implement into your daily routine.Brushing your teeth is one of…

What A General Dentist Does For A Toothache

A general dentist can relieve a toothache after a proper assessment. This type of dental problem is often accompanied by swelling. It may even occur with a migraine, fever, or earache. Tooth pain needs immediate treatment. Here are the details on what a general dentist can do for a toothache.Each toothache is different. That is…

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…

Recent Posts

How Easy Can It Be To Get A Partial Denture For One Missing Tooth?

How Easy Can It Be To Get A Partial Denture For One Missing Tooth?

When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and be grateful for the remaining thirty-one — despite the difficulties such a loss can cause. The good news is that getting a partial denture for one missing tooth is a relatively straightforward and largely painless procedure. Although you may experience…

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips From A Family Dentist

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips From A Family Dentist

If you want to protect your smile and, more importantly, your mouth, gums, tongue, and throat, you have to make sure you have a great oral hygiene routine. It can be difficult to figure out what you should be doing each day and how often with all the different advice. We all know we should…