Paramount Dental is pleased to offer root canal therapy. When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or dies, this simple treatment can save your tooth from extraction and prevent the need for further dental intervention. Call Paramount Dental today and see if Root Canal Therapy is right for you.
A root canal, or endodontic treatment as it is also known, is necessary to save a tooth from extraction when the pulp becomes infected or exposed. Deep inside the tooth is the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp can become inflamed or infected for a variety of reasons, including deep decay extending into the pulp, repeated dental procedures on a particular tooth, or fracture or breakage. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause severe pain or lead to a dental abscess.
Your dentist will first remove the inflamed or infected pulp, then carefully clean and shape the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal the space. Afterwards, a crown or other restoration will be placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients remain very comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Post-operative treatment of possible pain is something that you and your dentist will discuss. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal is completed. However, as with any dental treatment, if you have severe or persistent pain or pressure, call our office!
Sometimes, there are no obvious or noticeable symptoms to let you know there is a problem. Only regular dental visits and digital x-rays, as well as a detailed clinical examination, can reveal the underlying trauma that might require a root canal.
