Restore Your Oral Health with Root Canal Therapy
Using root canal therapy, our Hellam dentists can effectively treat your infected tooth without extracting it. This procedure can relieve pain and uncomfortable symptoms, while preserving your overall oral health. With modern dental techniques, root canal therapy is quite similar to getting a filling, and you can anticipate a comfortable experience both during and after your procedure. We are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a pleasant, relaxing environment. To learn more about whether you can benefit from root canal therapy, schedule an appointment today.
Overview
Inside each tooth resides soft tissue called pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Root canal treatment is often recommended when this pulp becomes inflamed or diseased. Causes of infection can include a deep cavity, repeated dental procedures, a crack in a tooth, or injury to a tooth (even if there is no visible damage). Root canal treatment involves removal of the diseased pulp, and subsequent cleaning and sealing of the pulp chamber and the canals inside the roots. If the infected pulp is not removed, you will experience pain and swelling and eventually need to have the entire tooth removed.
The Procedure
The root canal procedure is straightforward and typically takes place in two visits. First, our dentist will numb your tooth and surrounding tissue to ensure your comfort. Then a small opening in the top of the tooth will be created, allowing access into the pulp chamber, and the diseased pulp will be removed from the inside of the tooth and its canals. The root canal will then be cleaned and smoothed, and a temporary filling will be placed in the opening. During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling will be removed. Lastly, the tooth will typically be restored with a crown, providing strength and a natural appearance.
Root Canal Benefits
The main benefit of a root canal is that it saves the natural tooth structure. If the tooth had to be extracted, the teeth around it could shift from their normal position, making them less stable and interfering with your bite. This shifting can also make cleaning your teeth more difficult, which can lead to gum disease. In addition, root canal therapy:
- Protects other teeth from excessive strain and wear
- Maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Restores normal biting force and sensation
- Is usually less expensive than replacing a tooth
As long as you care for it properly, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can remain healthy for years to come.
Risks & Considerations
Root canal treatment has more than a 95% success rate. Risks, though extremely rare, include the development of an abscess at the root of the tooth if some of the infected material is left behind, or if an antibiotic was not effective. These factors could lead to additional procedures to try to save the tooth, or to removal of the tooth.
The best thing you can do to minimize your risk is to choose an experienced, highly reputable dental team. Feel free to visit our dental center to meet our experienced team of cosmetic dentistry experts.
Learn More
To find out more about our root canal procedure, schedule an in-person consultation today.
