Have you ever dealt with a badly infected or damaged tooth? It can be an experience that causes a lot of frustration, especially if you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start when it comes to obtaining the care and treatment you need. Luckily, the team at Storts Family Dentistry is always here to help!
Root canals are the most common dental treatment for various issues relating to cavities and infections in a tooth or teeth. While removal of a damaged tooth is an option, it can result in more money spent and a longer recovery time. In contrast, a root canal seeks to save the tooth and preserve your natural smile. Many patients worry getting a root canal will cause intense pain, but this is not the case! With our modern dental technology, patients will have little to no pain during the procedure. It’s likely more painful to live with the infected tooth!
Why are root canals necessary, and how do they help? Every natural tooth is filled with a soft pulp core. This pulp fills the entirety of your tooth, from just below the crown into the roots. It is made up of nerves, soft tissue, and blood vessels. If you develop a deep cavity or crack in one of your teeth, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause infection, damage, and inflammation. If these cavities are left untreated for too long, pulp death, bone loss, or loss of the entire tooth may occur. A few signs of this type of infection include swelling, toothache, and sensitivity to foods and drinks that are too hot or cold.
The root canal process is simple. Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth to see if a root canal is necessary. If so, you will be provided with a local anesthetic to numb the area and ease the pain. All tooth decay will be removed, and an opening will be made in the crown of the tooth through which the root canal will be performed. Dental tools will then remove all infected pulp from the root.
After removing the infected pulp, the tooth chamber will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, the tooth will be filled, making it as good as new! Your dentist will do everything possible to prevent further damage and restore your tooth or teeth to their original function. This is done by placing a crown over your newly filled root. Nowadays, crowns are usually made of porcelain and blend in perfectly with the natural teeth around them. If you keep up with your oral hygiene and come to the dentist every six months for exams and cleanings, your newly restored tooth will last a lifetime!
If you think you may require a root canal or have any questions for our staff, give Storts Family Dentistry a call at (580) 223-6720 for the Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill. We would be happy to assist you!