Root canal therapy, also called a “root canal” for short, is an endodontic procedure used to treat infected teeth. This procedure is required when your tooth has become infected due to extensive tooth decay or tooth damage due to a dental injury.
Decay or an injury can damage the outer layers of the tooth, exposing the vulnerable pulp to bacteria in the mouth. Over time, these bacteria will attack and kill the pulp, causing pain and discomfort, and compromising the integrity of the tooth.
A root canal is used to reverse this process. In this treatment, the tooth is opened up, cleaned out and sanitized, and then filled and restored to eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth for years to come.
Infected teeth will eventually die and fall out of your mouth. Preserve your tooth by scheduling a root canal today!
As the first step of the process, Dr. Daniel Banks or Dr. Jacob Dunham will clean the treatment area and then numb your mouth using local anesthetic. This is achieve your optimum comfort and relaxation during the procedure.
Once your tooth has been prepared and your mouth is numb, Dr. Banks or Dr. Dunham will clean away damaged or decayed material from your tooth, and create a small opening to the pulp chamber.
Through the opening made in your tooth, Dr. Banks or Dr. Dunham will use dental tools to clean out and remove decayed pulp, and sanitize the inside of the tooth. Then your tooth is filled with an inert substance that replaces the extracted pulp and strengthens the tooth.
Finally, a filling or a temporary crown will be used to cover up the opening and restore your tooth. Depending on your case, you may need to come back for further appointments at Water Valley Dental to get a permanent dental crown.
The most common sign of an infected tooth is a very painful toothache that lasts for a day or longer and continues to get worse. Your tooth may also feel tender or painful when you chew, or when it’s exposed to very hot or cold foods/drinks.
In some cases, you may even notice swelling in your face near the infected tooth, or inflammation of the gum tissue. The gums or the tooth itself may also be discolored. If you notice any or all of these signs, you should contact Water Valley Dental for an appointment right away.
No. Root canal therapy doesn’t hurt at all. Your mouth will be numb throughout the treatment, and we also offer sedation options to keep you feeling safe and comfortable throughout your procedure.
In fact, root canal therapy can provide you with relief from your toothache, which is a very common symptom of an infected tooth. After your root canal, you’ll no longer feel any pain or discomfort due to your infection.
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