Do you have a damaged tooth or a toothache that won’t go away? If so, your trusted team at Dental Care of Madison may recommend a root canal treatment. The good news is that advances in dental technology and improved anesthetics have made root canal treatments relatively comfortable, comparable to having cavities filled. Here’s a look at what you expect during your root canal procedure.
At the center of every tooth is an area called the pulp chamber which houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment designed to save a tooth with infected pulp resulting from deep decay, repeated dental procedures, trauma, a tooth crack or chip, or damaged restorations.
Left untreated, tooth pulp infection can cause complications, including severe pain, swelling, and even tooth loss. The infection can also enter the bloodstream, putting a patient’s health at risk. Root canal therapy helps relieve your pain and helps save an infected tooth, restoring its form and function.
Signs of tooth pulp infection requiring root canal therapy include the following: Tooth pain that does not go away, even with over-the-counter pain medication Sensitivity triggered by hot or cold foods or drinks Pain when eating or placing pressure on the affected tooth Gums that are red, swollen, or painful to the touch A small, red bump on the gums that may be filled with pus A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth Tooth discoloration, usually resulting from trauma
Before starting treatment, we will numb the area using a local anesthetic for your comfort. We’re also happy to offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax during treatment. We will start your endodontic procedure by creating a small opening in the infected tooth’s crown to access and remove the infected tissues. Next, we will clean the area and fill your root canals with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, which helps stabilize the tooth. The last step is sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. After your root canal procedure, we may recommend a tooth-colored, custom crown to further strengthen and protect the affected tooth. A root canal-treated tooth will look and function like a natural tooth and can last a lifetime with proper care!
Contact Dental Care of Madison to learn more about restoring an infected or severely damaged tooth with the help of root canal therapy. Our skilled and experienced dentists are committed to ensuring your time with us is as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We look forward to caring for all your dental needs. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!
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