Root Canal Therapy
Comfortable Care to Save Your Smile
In the past, severely damaged teeth would have needed to be extracted, leaving the patient with an incomplete smile and permanently affected oral health. Today, root canal therapy allows dentists like Dr. Milewski to save and restore teeth, rather than extract them outright. Keep in mind that root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than a dental filling, and Medina Family Dentistry takes all the steps necessary to ensure your comfort is established beforehand. If your tooth is experiencing severe discomfort, call our office as soon as possible!
What is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal literally refers to the small area of the tooth where the tooth roots are located. These roots contain many sensitive areas of your tooth, including the pulp and soft tissue which is responsible for keeping the tooth healthy. When bacteria reaches this area, it becomes highly susceptible to infection. The best way to remove this infection, without removing the tooth, is through root canal therapy. This process involves removing the infection, irrigating and shaping the canal to prevent future infections, and restoring the functionality of the tooth.
Why Is It Needed? When Do I Need It?
When an infection develops on the tip of the root, it causes pressure inside the tooth, which turns into severe discomfort. Without treatment, the infection could spread to neighboring teeth and even put your life at risk, largely because of its close proximity to the brain. If you notice severe oral pain or pimple-like bumps on your gum tissue, it’s likely that an infection is present. You may also notice high fever and dark discolorations in your tooth, which are typically gray, brown, or black in nature.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
Prior to the root canal therapy, Dr. Milewski numbs the tooth and surrounding gum tissue so you feel comfortable during your treatment. After creating a very small hole in the top portion of your tooth, we’ll be able to access the inner area where the infection lies. Next, we’ll remove any dead or infected tissue and irrigate the canal in order to reduce the risk of a future infection developing. Then, we’ll place a rubber-like material inside of the canal to replace the dead tissue. Finally, a crown is placed on top to stop any future infection from developing.
Aftercare Tips to Know
Once your root canal therapy is complete, it’s very important that you take enough time to rest. Wait until the local anesthetic wears off completely before eating so you don’t accidentally chew your tongue or cheek. Brush and floss as you would normally, making sure to avoid the infection site until it has healed. We’ll schedule you for a follow-up appointment to have your permanent crown placed, so keep this in mind as you recover. If you experience any symptoms that you had prior to your treatment, give our office a call as soon as possible.