In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, your tooth can be saved. Root canals are a relatively simple procedure involving one to three office visits. Best of all, having a root canal when necessary can save your tooth and your smile!
A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory—to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is detrimental to your overall health. Without the proper treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful. However, signs you may need a root canal include severe toothache, pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, a dark discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Root canal therapy and treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed. Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth had extensive decay, your doctor may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breakage. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Patients that undergo a root canal procedure are thoroughly numbed to ensure no pain is felt. In fact, the numbing is probably the most irritating part. Patients often tell us that root canal therapy feels no different than getting a filling.
Not when you choose Kenmar Dental! We provide same-day solutions to our patients, giving you less time in the chair and more time doing the things you love without pain. We even provide same-day crowns to seal the root canal permanently.
The average time for a root canal is 45 to 60 minutes, perhaps 90 if there are greater problems. Don’t worry about having your mouth open the whole time. If you need a rest during the procedure, just let us know. We will give you the time and comfort you need during the whole treatment.
Unfortunately, it isn’t. Root canals are the safer alternative to simply removing the tooth, as well as less painful on your wallet. Extracting the tooth would require you to be fitted with a replacement such as a dental bridge that “bridges” the gap or a dental implant that’s fused with the bone underneath. Both require more appointments and more money on your end. Besides, why go through all that trouble when you can keep your natural teeth?
Kenmar Dental is no ordinary dental office. Our dentist has received awards of excellence in implant dentistry and continues his training in all of the latest technology and trends in the dental field. Our team of dental experts is super friendly and provides superior care. Our dentist provides education and helpful information for patients and will go out of his way to make every procedure pain-free. In fact, we like to say we offer comfort dentistry!
Whether you need emergency care or a routine checkup, call us now and schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located just off of I-75. For root canals and other dental services in Marietta, GA, you can trust Kenmar Dental for excellent care.
