When a tooth becomes infected, it is absolutely critical to remove the source of the infection before it spreads. Infection may be caused by deep decay in the tooth, or by dental trauma like a chip or crack. With root canal treatment, Dr. Todd can stop the infection and preserve your healthy, functional tooth.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment removes the infected area and allows the tooth to repair and heal. This treatment is typically completed in just one visit and will protect your health and your smile. Root canal treatment is the only way to save an infected tooth from extraction.
Your Comfort is Our Concern.
We know that the term “root canal” comes with a negative connotation and that many patients have anxiety surrounding the treatment. We assure you that your root canal treatment will be more comfortable than you think.
Our patients are pleasantly surprised by root canal therapy. The purpose of a root canal is not to cause pain, but to ease it. Infected teeth can create a world of discomfort and pain, but a root canal removes the infection and relieves suffering.
During your treatment, we will provide you with local anesthesia and dental sedation options. You should not feel pain during the treatment. We will give you detailed instructions for recovery so that you can remain comfortable as you get back to total health.
Your Root Canal Appointment: Dr. Todd will numb the mouth and keep a rubber dam around the infected tooth to keep it dry. We make an opening in the top of the tooth and remove the pulp, where the infection resides. We also clean out the root canals while shaping them.
Your dentist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material to protect the tooth. We can place medication to kill any lingering bacteria, and then place a temporary filling to protect the affected tooth.
We will remove the temporary filling and check on our work. If the infection has been removed in entirety, we can complete the treatment with a sealer paste and a final restoration.
If you believe you may need a root canal treatment, contact our dentist for a consultation. We look forward to meeting with you.