Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)
At Lifetime Dental Health, we believe that saving your natural teeth is always the best option. That’s why when you are suffering from a painful, infected tooth, we may recommend a root canal.
Why Should I Get a Root Canal?
When a tooth becomes infected and is full of dentin or pulp, a root canal may be necessary to save your tooth. Root canals are typically recommended when the infection has extended to the base of the tooth – the root. They pose little risk and are sometimes the best way to avoid an extraction.
Some benefits of saving your natural tooth include:
- Maintaining a natural appearance
- Efficient chewing
- Protects surrounding teeth from additional strain, and
- Allows you to eat, speak and bite normally.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Tooth or gum pain, discoloration, a tooth tender to the touch, pus drainage in your mouth, a tooth abscess, swelling in the lymph nodes below your jaw, discoloration in the mouth, and sensitivity to heat or cold are all symptoms of an underlying endodontic problem.
At times these problems can exist without any noticeable symptoms. Regular visits to our office will allow our team to look for any issues while reviewing your digital x-rays.
What Happens If I Need a Root Canal?
If your dentist determines that a root canal is the best course of treatment, you will be put under a local anesthetic. This will allow you to remain awake and alert without having to worry about pain.
Next, your dentist will place a “dental dam” around the tooth to keep the affected area clean and isolated during the procedure. Once the dental dam is in place, a small opening will be made in the top of the tooth to remove the infection. The area will then be cleaned, medicated and fitted with a temporary filling. To finish, your dentist will construct a permanent crown to seal the tooth and prevent it from becoming infected again.
After your root canal, we will provide you will a personalized hygiene plan. Brushing and flossing regularly will help keep your teeth healthy and infection-free.
If you are suffering from a severe toothache or any other oral health problems, Dr. Barry and Dr. Love are here to help. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, call our Columbus dental office at 614-451-2234.