Root canal treatment involves removing the infected dental pulp of a tooth, cleaning the tooth and placing a filling to prevent further infection. Root canals are a service offered at Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates.
While teeth can seem invincible pearly whites that break down food and help make a great smile, they have layers and can weaken over time. Without proper care, a tooth can sustain enough damage to expose the inner layer, known as the dental pulp. Infected dental pulp will cause varying levels of pain when eating, speaking or at any time of day. Fortunately, we can help.
We can use root canal treatment to help remove the infected dental pulp, preventing the spread of the infection to other teeth and helping to relieve pain. This procedure will also help to protect the tooth from further infection. Root canal procedures may be the sturdy and lasting solution to an infected tooth.
If you notice pain or sensitivity in a tooth, call us and schedule an appointment to see if root canal treatment can help.
When a tooth becomes infected, that infection can spread into the center of the tooth. This area is called the dental pulp. Inside of the dental pulp is the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. All of the sensitive areas of the tooth are contained here. As such, when the area becomes infected it can be incredibly painful, requiring immediate treatment. We can perform a root canal quickly on people living in and around the King George area.
A root canal endodontic procedure works by creating a small hole in the tooth so that all of the infected areas can be removed. The dental pulp is removed, and oftentimes so are the roots. You only need your tooth roots to feel sensations like hot and cold and for the tooth to grow in. Once it has fully matured, removing the roots will not directly harm the tooth. It can, however, prevent the further spread of infection so when it is necessary to remove the roots; we promptly do so. Once done, we will clean the area to ensure that the infection is gone. We will typically prescribe antibiotics, as well. This ensures that any lingering infection is eliminated.
In order to complete the root canal, we will seal up the hole and area where the dental pulp used to be. This is typically done with something called gutta-percha. This is a rubber-like substance that can help to stabilize the tooth now that a portion is missing. At Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates, we will then use a filling or crown in order to further strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Both fillings and crowns can now be created in a tooth-color. This means that regardless of where your infected tooth is located, a crown can be used, and it will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Patients throughout the King George area appreciate how natural their tooth looks once the procedure is complete.
If you live in King George, VA you should schedule an appointment with us to discuss the health of your teeth, any problems that you may be having and what should be done to heal and protect the tooth. If it appears that a root canal is the best option, we will make this recommendation. If not, we will present a treatment solution that will solve your health issue. Overall, a root canal endodontics treatment is extremely effective for saving damaged teeth by removing any infection that may be there. This single treatment makes it possible for millions of teeth to be saved on an annual basis and once it is completed; eating and drinking becomes easy again.
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We work to help patients to feel comfortable during their root canal endodontics procedure by using sedation dentistry. We have a variety of ways that we can eliminate both discomfort and anxiety during a root canal. Whether a patient needs to take something ahead of time to relax or medication to numb the specific area that is being worked on, we can provide painless dentistry and help patients enjoy their dental treatments.
In the past, many people would need to have their teeth pulled if they became severely infected or the dental pulp became inflamed. Now, those same teeth can be saved by performing a root canal. This is a far better option because it keeps the natural tooth in place. This is important for the shape of the face because as teeth fall out the muscles in the face can start to sag. While this is not particularly common with the loss of one tooth, it is when several become infected and fall out. By treating and saving an infected tooth, we are helping to preserve our patients' facial structure.
Another benefit is that once the root canal has been completed, and the filling or crown is in place; it is possible to eat like normal and without restrictions. Once the infection is gone, and the tooth is strengthened, it will behave like it used to. That makes it possible to bite down with normal force, chew, and maintain normal activities without worrying about the tooth. This helps patients throughout King George get back to return to their busy schedules.
A restored tooth will look completely natural if a tooth-colored crown or filling is used to restore it. In fact, crowns can be created in the exact shade of the surrounding teeth so that it blends in perfectly. This way no one will know that you ever had a procedure completed. If, in fact, you had a root canal done previously, you may want to have the filling or crown around it replaced with today's version for an improved appearance.
Alternatively, if don't have a root canal endodontics procedure completed, the infected tooth will likely need to be pulled. This is essential for preventing the spread of infection. Once the tooth is removed it will need to be replaced. The options for doing so involve wearing a denture, getting a dental bridge or having dental implants installed. These are all viable solutions but take additional time, and the recovery period is longer since the procedures will take several steps. Therefore, one possible solution is for us to attempt to save your tooth by performing a root canal endodontics procedure. To learn more about this option call Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates at 540-808-1303 and schedule an appointment.
If you live in the King George area, call (540) 808-1303 to schedule your dental exam so that you can remain in good health or receive treatment for a current condition.
Q. Will there be any pain during a root canal?
Q. What are the benefits from getting a root canal?
Q. Does a root canal remove the entire tooth?
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