Root Canal Treatments for Permanent Teeth
Root canal treatments are a reliable way to relieve pain and save teeth with infected or damaged pulp. The pulp, located in the center of the tooth, contains nerves and blood vessels that can become compromised due to trauma or bacteria. If left untreated, this can lead to severe pain and potential health issues, necessitating extraction or root canal therapy. The procedure involves numbing the area, removing infected tissue, disinfecting the canals, and sealing them with gutta percha and a protective filling. For permanent teeth, this process often ends with a crown to restore strength and function.
Root Canal Care for Primary Teeth
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, require special treatment since their roots dissolve as permanent teeth grow in. Infected baby teeth are typically treated with a pulpotomy, which removes only the top portion of the pulp and seals it with a medicated filling. For more severe infections, a complete pulpectomy is performed using resorbable materials like Vitapex to ensure proper dissolution as permanent teeth erupt. These procedures help preserve baby teeth until their natural replacement, avoiding the need for extractions or space maintainers. Root canals for baby teeth are safe, effective, and often prevent the dreaded “ouch” associated with untreated toothaches.
