Root canal therapy isn’t what you’ve likely heard: The truth about treatment to “save” your tooth
Root canal therapy is not that big of a deal. Really. And it most certainly is not the source of dread that it is often made out to be. In fact, the truth about treating damaged root canals at Park Avenue Dental Care of Homewood, Illinois, is that they can typically be completed in one appointment. They may even be compared to a regular filling, albeit more time-consuming. Treatment also relieves the pain and swelling associated with severe oral problems, such as untreated tooth decay that inflames or infects the innermost tissues or pulp.
Of course, the best treatment is always no treatment at all. But, with root canal therapy performed by our highly qualified and talented dentists, Drs James Kreuz, Gregory Duffner, and Alex Dolinar, we just may be able to save your tooth and avoid the trauma, expense, and time associated with tooth loss and restorative dentistry procedures to rebuild your smile.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Why would I need a root canal instead of a filling?
Fillings are appropriate for less extensive decay, such as a small- to moderate-sized cavity. Now, a tooth may have had a smaller filling. Without treatment and the passage of time, however, decay progresses. The filling may no longer be sufficient to treat and restore a more extensively damaged tooth effectively. Once the decay process penetrates the innermost pulp tissue, a “root canal” may be the only way to preserve your tooth.
How is a root canal done?
All treatment is done to a tooth fully numbed with local anesthetic. While the process itself is tolerated well, we can discuss options to keep you more relaxed and comfortable if apprehension or fear creeps in. The numbed tooth itself is opened. The root canals are then accessed using special instruments. Once the canals have been cleaned and the inflamed or damaged tissue removed, they are reshaped. Lastly, the canals are filled in with a gutta percha (filling) material and sealed off.
How do I take care of my tooth?
Your tooth or mouth might feel a little sore at first. However, any discomfort should be easily managed and subside relatively quickly. Be sure to follow any specific instructions for after-care provided by our team in Homewood, IL. Importantly, you will likely need a dental crown to strengthen the treated tooth. Failure to promptly restore the tooth with a crown can compromise it, making it vulnerable to future damage. In the end, the tooth may still be lost. Again, this is highly avoidable in partnership with your friendly and skilled team at Park Avenue Dental Care.
Tooth loss doesn’t have to be in your future. If you are due for a checkup, call us today at (708) 798-6868.
