Dental pulp is the soft area at the center of a tooth where the veins, nerves, and connective tissue are located. If the dental pulp becomes diseased or infected, Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Tant may recommend a root canal in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Root canal therapy is the process by which our dentists remove the infected dental pulp from a tooth and then seal the tooth. There are not always symptoms present, but if you experience any of the following, our dentists may perform root canal therapy:
• Severe toothache
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Darkening of a tooth
• Swelling and pain in the gums
• A recurring pimple on the gums
If left untreated, diseased pulp will break down and bacteria will form and spread within the dental pulp chamber. This can cause an infection or an abscessed tooth, where a pus-filled pocket forms at the end of the tooth root. Untreated diseased dental pulp can also cause swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or head. In some cases, bone loss can occur around the tooth root’s tip. Infected dental pulp can cause drainage problems to occur from the tooth root. A hole may form through the side of the tooth, causing drainage into the gums or through your cheek and into the skin.
To learn more and to schedule an appointment, contact our dental office today.