Root Canal Therapy
The point of a root canal is to get you out of pain. They are required when a tooth is either infected or a cavity that has made its way deep into the tooth. The good news is root canals are PAINLESS! Under local anesthesia our doctors remove the infected tissue, sterilize the tooth and then seal it up to prevent future problems. This is usually done in one visit and will have you feeling better the same day!
The thought of having a root canal or tooth extraction often makes people a little nervous, and that’s why we do everything we can to make you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed during the entire course of your treatment.
Both treatments are sometimes necessary towards the longevity and maintenance of your overall oral health. Severely-damaged teeth increase the possibility of infection and can threaten the health of the surrounding teeth and gums, potentially leading to the need for more drastic and costly dental treatments down the road.
It is our philosophy to try to save as many teeth as possible, although there are many tooth replacement options, nothing functions or feels better than your natural tooth. Upon consultation we can determine which procedure presents the best option for you, your smile and your long-term oral health. We will provide you with a thorough and complete examination and discuss with you the reasons a root canal or tooth extraction may be the best, most necessary course of action.
Our number one priority is your comfort, and we always aim to deliver the most soothing and relaxing environment possible to each and every person that walks through our door. Contact us today to see if our high-quality root canal and extraction services are right for you.
Root canals and extractions are fairly common and simple procedures and are many times essential components of good, long-lasting dental health.
A root canal is performed to save or prolong the life of a badly damaged or decayed tooth. The point of the root canal, which is usually completed in one office visit, is to relieve that pain as well as remove any infected material and sterilize the area to prevent the spread of infection. Pain/horror stories associated with root canals usually refer to the discomfort or tooth ache the patient
experiences prior to the Root Canal Therapy. Once the Root Canal Therapy has been performed that tooth no longer has a nerve and the pain or discomfort you were feeling before is now gone.
Root canal treatments are relatively harmless procedures and are always performed with the application of a local anesthetic, which eliminates the potential for pain. Over-the counter medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are generally recommended to treat any future pain or discomfort. Advances in endodontics have broken the stereotypes associated with root canal pain. Use of more anesthetic and instruments, makes having a root canal as easy as a filling.
After your root canal has been completed, it is very important to have your tooth restored with a buildup and new crown. Restoring your tooth with a new crown will prevent re-infection of the tooth and prevent fractures in the tooth.
Endodontists Success Rate
We are fortunate to have endodontists who work in our offices to perform root canal therapy. Endodontists are dentists who complete a post graduate program (2-3 years) in the study and treatment of the dental pulp/nerves. Endodontists have a 98.1% success rate vs a 89.7% success rate for general dentists 5 years after the root canals were complete according to a National Institute Health study. Their caring, gentle approach will make your root canal experience a good one.