Root canal therapy is often performed to treat tooth infections. A tooth infection can lead to severe concerns if left untreated, including the spread of the infection to other parts of the mouth and body and inevitable tooth loss. Root canal therapy can save an infected tooth, restore its long-term health and avoid tooth loss.
There are certain expectations one can have before a root canal procedure to save an infected tooth. Many are anxious before root canal therapy, so understanding what root canal therapy is and how the treatment process works can help patients deal with nerves and properly prepare before the procedure.
Root canal therapy is a treatment performed by an experienced and licensed dental professional in which the infected or decayed tooth pulp is removed and filled with a substitute material. The purpose of root canal therapy is to ensure the long-term health of a tooth by ensuring the healthy portion of the tooth root is not at risk. It also strengthens the vulnerable tooth by filling it and using a dental crown for added support, which ultimately prevents the affected tooth from becoming lost.
Root canal therapy can remove the diseased portion of an infected tooth to prevent further damage. Without a root canal procedure, an infected tooth may continue to get worse, and inevitably result is a lost tooth. A root canal works by removing the infected pulp and replacing it with a substitute material. This ensures the tooth keeps the same structure and the root is not further damaged. The final step of a root canal procedure is the placement of the dental crown, which further strengthens and protects the damaged tooth.
During the consultation visit, the dentist will determine the severity of the infection. The dentist may use sedation dentistry during the root canal to keep discomfort at a minimal level during the procedure. The dentist will then access the root and remove infected pulp inside of the pulp chamber. Once complete, the dentist will clean the tooth and seal it with a filling material before placing a temporary crown.
The patient will need to come in for a second visit for the placement of the permanent crown once it is ready. The patient will also need to follow the aftercare instructions the dentist provides, which should outline how to practice good oral hygiene, what foods should be avoided during recovery and how to protect teeth from dental trauma.
Contact us here at our dental office to schedule a root canal therapy consultation if you are experiencing concerning symptoms that may indicate you have an infected tooth. Our professional and experienced dental team is glad to answer your questions, address your concerns and help you improve the health of any damaged or infected teeth you may have.
Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Gainesville, VA.
Root canal therapy is a procedure that allows dentists to save severely decayed, damaged, or infected teeth. The root canal procedure involves going to the pulp chamber of a tooth to remove the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues there. This brings an end to infections and protects against them. It also stops any pain…
Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if you have severe tooth damage or deep dental decay. When performed, it is often a necessary step to save the tooth from falling out or to prevent the infection from spreading. There are certain symptoms that may suggest root canal therapy is necessary, and it is helpful…
When it comes to preventive dental care, the approach is two-fold. First, it involves going to the dentist for regular checkups and performing any recommended follow-up treatment. Second, good oral health habits are crucial for keeping the body in good working order. For people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis, keeping up…
Wondering when tooth pain is a symptom of a dental emergency? Sometimes you can wait until you are free to see the dentist, but how do you know when to treat the condition as an emergency and see the dentist immediately? Continue reading to find out. Tooth pain is hardly fun to deal with and…
Dental bonding is a non-invasive treatment that has cosmetic and therapeutic uses. It involves applying composite resin – made with mixtures of plastic and glass – to the patient’s tooth. These composites can be shaped and molded as desired, allowing the dentist to address issues like decay or damage to a tooth. Composite resins can…
TMJ disorder can be a serious condition and is not something you should ignore. This disorder can affect people of all ages, even those who have good oral health. The effects of TMJ include pain in the jaw that can radiate to other parts of the face. If you do not address these symptoms, you…