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At Tava Dentistry, root canal treatment is a procedure used to remove the infected or inflamed dental pulp from the root canals of a tooth and subsequently clean, disinfect, shape, and seal the canals. The need for root canal treatment arises when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur due to deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks or fractures, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to abscess formation and potentially causing severe pain and swelling. This treatment aims to eliminate the infection, alleviate pain, and save the tooth from extraction. 

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment 

• Root canal treatment alleviates severe toothache caused by an infected or inflamed pulp. The procedure relieves pain and discomfort by removing the source of infection and cleaning the canals. 
• Infected dental pulp can lead to abscess formation, a painful condition characterized by pus-filled pockets around the tooth root. Root canal treatment eliminates the infection and prevents it from spreading to surrounding tissues. 
• Root canal treatment aims to save the natural tooth from extraction. Removing the infected pulp and sealing the canals can preserve the tooth and help it function correctly. Preserving the natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function and appearance and avoids needing tooth replacement options. 
• Root canal treatment improves oral health by eliminating infection and restoring the affected tooth. By preserving the natural tooth, the patient can maintain proper chewing function and a balanced bite, preventing issues like shifting neighboring teeth. 

The Procedure for Root Canal Treatment

The dentist examines the affected tooth, evaluates the extent of the infection or damage, and may take X-rays to assess the root canal's shape and determine the appropriate treatment approach. Before starting the procedure, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the treatment. The dentist creates an access hole in the tooth's crown to reach the pulp chamber. The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed using specialized dental instruments. The root canals are cleaned and shaped using files to remove debris, infected tissue, and bacteria. Irrigation solutions are used to flush out the canals and disinfect them. The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and a dental sealer is used to seal the canals and prevent reinfection. In most cases, a dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to provide strength, protection, and aesthetic appearance. 

Root canal treatment aims to eliminate the infection, relieve pain, and save the natural tooth from extraction. Following a root canal procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, and attending regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensure the long-term success of the treatment. For the best dental care, visit Tava Dentistry at 320 E Fontanero St #302, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, or call (719) 434-6630.