What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is recommended when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save a tooth and prevent the need for extraction, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed. Afterward, the space is sterilized and filled with a special dental composite, restoring the tooth to its full function.
Root canal treatment has a very high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper dental hygiene and care. It’s often the best way to save a tooth that otherwise would need to be removed.
Signs and Symptoms of Possible Tooth Infection
Do you have a tooth that’s troubling you? If you’re suffering from one or more of these symptoms, schedule a visit with our Franklinville Dental team:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache
- Swelling or tenderness
- Tooth discoloration
- A cracked or chipped tooth
It’s also entirely possible not to experience any symptoms, but still have a tooth that’s in trouble. That’s why routine dental care and regular check-ups are so important.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy can often save a tooth that otherwise would die and need to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a troubled tooth is the only solution for relief. The truth is, sometimes extracting a tooth will ultimately be more costly and can cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Some benefits of root canal therapy include:
- Rids your mouth of infection
- Heals tooth pain
- Leaves the natural tooth intact and functional
- Visually pleasing results
- Efficient and cost-effective
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, and the vast majority of patients are satisfied with the results.
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure typically requires two appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). The first step is to assess the situation and get you scheduled for root canal therapy.
On the date of your procedure, Dr. Gottlieb will use a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and the surrounding area. While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made in the top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once your tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with a permanent filling. In some instances, a temporary filling may need to be placed on the tooth until the procedure can be completed.
At the second appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with a special dental composite. A permanent filling will then be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment will receive a dental crown. This will protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function.
Since you’ll be given an anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain during your root canal procedure. After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth heals.
You’ll be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in prolonging the benefits of your root canal treatment.
Root Canal Therapy at Franklinville Dental
Here at Franklinville Dental, our team is trained to spot tooth trouble and get you the help you need to restore your smile. Call our office today at (856) 694-5555 and we’ll get you scheduled for an office visit right away.