Root Canals
Leading Dental Treatment for Tooth Decay
Although we have excellent tooth replacement procedures, we will always try to consider treatments to first save your teeth at Family First Dentist. Do not get a tooth pulled because you think it will be easier or more affordable. Missing teeth can cause your other teeth to shift, affecting your ability to properly chew and ruining your smile. Tooth extraction often is more painful than the infection itself, and replacing an extracted tooth can be a lengthy process.
Our endodontists specialize in maintaining your teeth through endodontic therapy, a procedure involving the inner tissue of a tooth, called the pulp. Wherever possible, our endodontists will suggest a root canal to save your tooth.
The Process of Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is often a straightforward procedure to relieve dental pain and save an infected or decayed tooth. The procedure is typically needed when there is inflammation or an infection at the root of a tooth, often the result of a cracked tooth. If not addressed, the infection can become worse, causing more pain and leading to the formation of an abscess.
The procedure is performed with local anesthetics and does not cause any more discomfort than having a filling. After the shot is administered, our endodontists will make a small opening in the tooth’s surface to gain access to the pulp. Using specialty tools, we will remove the dead and dying tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerve and pulp. The interior is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a safe material before the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. Finally, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection.
A root canal treatment from our specialists is virtually painless, thanks to modern techniques and effective anesthesia. You will recover more quickly and experience less pain from a root canal than you would with a tooth extraction.
When to Have a Root Canal
Whenever possible, it is always better to keep your natural tooth. Although dentistry has certainly advanced, no denture, bridge, or implant will look, feel, and function as well as your normal tooth. When you experience mouth pain, inflammation, or toothache, it is important to contact us immediately. A potential source of a tooth infection is untreated tooth decay, which can allow bacteria from the tooth’s surface to work its way inside. A crack in the tooth can also offer another route for bacteria to infect the pulp. Dental traumas may also damage the interior of your tooth or expose it to infection. Regardless of the cause, our emergency dentist can see you quickly to address the problem and relieve your pain. A root canal allows you to keep your natural smile and eat the foods you love, and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, teeth that have a root canal can last a lifetime. If you’ve been noticing soreness, pain, or anything else making your teeth and mouth uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Reach out to our office by calling 630-836-8995 at your earliest convenience!