Understanding Root Canals: Preserving Your Natural Smile
- Posted on: Sep 15 2023
Root canals are a common dental procedure that can preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges later on.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s essential to understand what a root canal involves and how it can benefit your dental health. Understand every step of the process with the compassionate specialists at Gentle Family Dentistry & Implant Center.
What is a Root Canal?
At the center of your tooth is the pulp, a collection of blood vessels that contribute to the tooth’s development. When this pulp becomes infected because of trauma, deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures, it’s possible a root canal is the solution. Common symptoms of an infected pulp could be visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, and pain in the tooth and gums.
The Root Canal Procedure
When you experience symptoms of an infected pulp, your dentist will likely recommend a non-surgical root canal treatment. The procedure involves removing the injured pulp and thoroughly cleaning and sealing the root canal system.
Local anesthesia is used to eliminate discomfort during the procedure, which can be completed in one or more visits, depending on the treatment. Root canal therapy has a success rate of about 90 percent, ensuring profound relief for patients.
Aftercare and Follow-up
After the root canal treatment is completed, a record of the procedure will be sent to your dentist. You’ll need to schedule a follow-up restoration within a few weeks to protect the treated tooth.
Complications after routine root canal treatments are rare. But it’s still essential to practice good dental hygiene to prevent further decay and maintain oral health.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal, consider Gentle Family Dentistry & Implant Center in Bethlehem and Allentown, PA. Their experienced dentists can provide expert evaluation and personalized root canal treatment.
Preserving your natural teeth is their priority, and they are dedicated to ensuring your dental health. Schedule a consultation by calling our Bethlehem Office at 610.861.0190 or Allentown at 610.861.0190.
Posted in: Root Canal