When an individual might need root canal therapy

The toothache that results from the formation of a cavity can be extremely painful. But the pain that occurs from an infection inside of the tooth can be unbearable. It is often unable to be controlled by pain medications and can keep patients from sleeping at night. Conditions such as this often warrant a different type of treatment to resolve, especially if patients leave smaller problems untreated. In this situation, the dentist may recommend root canal therapy.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy, often just referred to as a root canal, is a treatment that is performed to remove the dental pulp, a mass of tissues within the natural tooth structure. The dental pulp also includes the nerves, which give the sensation of pain. During the root canal procedure, the dental pulp is removed, the canals are disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria, and the tooth is sealed with gutta percha and composite resin. Due to the removal of the dental pulp causing a tooth to become weak and brittle, a dentist may also place a dental crown over the tooth as an extra precaution to protect the tooth’s natural enamel and structure.

Is the root canal procedure painful?

Many patients think of root canal therapy as a painful procedure, when in actuality, the pain that brings patients in for treatment is far more uncomfortable than the treatment itself. In fact, our team here at Gentle Family Dentistry will ensure patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure with proper anesthetics and sedation. After the treatment, patients might experience some soreness, but this is easily addressed with over-the-counter pain medication as the tooth heals. Patients should never be afraid of painful procedures with their dentist when sedation and anesthetics are available for use to reduce both discomfort and anxiety.

Do you believe you are in need of root canal therapy?

Contact the team at Gentle Family Dentistry and Implant Center to learn more about the services available to restore the smile. We have locations in the cities of Allentown and Bethlehem, PA and welcome new patients and families into our state-of-the-art facilities.

Posted in: Root Canal

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