Root Canal Restorative dentistry is a broad field of dentistry that involves repairing damaged teeth and improving their function. One of the many procedures that our team at Rockton Dental uses to restore your smile is a root canal. If you are experiencing dental pain or infection, then you may be a good candidate for a root canal. What Is a Root Canal Procedure?A root canal is a targeted restorative treatment that is intended to address an infection in a specific tooth. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and poor dental hygiene. If this decay is treated early, our team can repair your tooth with treatments such as dental fillings. However, as this decay spreads throughout your tooth, it can cause an infection in your root canal. A root canal procedure focuses on your tooth’s pulp. The pulp is a soft material underneath the enamel of your tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, which is why infected or inflamed pulp can be very painful if left untreated. This material plays a key role in the development of your teeth, but a fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp. During the procedure, our team will first administer an anesthetic to ensure you are pain-free. They will then remove the damaged and decayed area of your enamel to expose the pulp. Our professional will then remove the infected or inflamed pulp and disinfect the area. After all affected material is removed from the canal, they will fill the void and seal the area with a dental crown or filling. A root canal is a great restorative option because it provides immediate pain relief once the procedure is complete. It also allows our team to save your natural tooth, which is always one of our primary goals whenever possible. Your repaired tooth will be stronger and function properly, allowing you to resume eating the foods you love. A root canal is a more cost-effective option than a total tooth replacement such as a dental implant. How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?While you cannot determine if you need a root canal at home, you can determine if you need a visit with our team by reviewing your symptoms. If you are experiencing pain and sensitivity in a tooth or teeth, then this is a sign of a potential problem. If this sensitivity is paired with swollen or inflamed gums and a visible cavity, then it is definitely time to come see our professionals. It is important that you do not delay treatment if you are experiencing pain and discomfort. The infected pulp can lead to a more serious infection that requires antibiotics. Severe oral infections can even cause serious illness and require emergency medical care. Delayed treatment can also make saving your tooth impossible, which will require our team to complete more invasive restoration options. Do not sacrifice your quality of life or oral health. If you think you may need a root canal or other dental restoration, then it is time to come see our great team of dental professionals at Rockton Dental. You can schedule your appointment by calling our office at (815) 624-3269. |
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