Root Canal Treatment
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT – CONYERS, GA
SAVING YOUR SMILE
If you have a toothache that just won’t go away, it may be a sign of an advanced infection that, if left alone, could cause all sorts of health problems. To save your tooth and relieve your pain, in many cases your best option will be a root canal treatment. Dr. Amin will make sure you stay as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and see if root canals in Conyers are the solution to your tooth pain.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure where the tooth is opened so that damaged or infected tissue can be removed. The pulp chamber and root canals in your tooth contain dental pulp, which is made of nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and cells that help with tooth development. If the pulp is infected, it won’t heal itself, and it can’t be cured with brushing and flossing. The only solution is to remove the pulp altogether. Even without nerves and blood vessels, the tooth may still be able to function normally for everyday tasks like chewing and talking.
When is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
The bacteria in your mouth can eat through enamel and cause cavities. If a cavity isn’t filled in time, eventually the bacteria will reach the pulp and infect it. At this point, if you don’t get a root canal treatment, the tooth may need to be extracted altogether.
While you might think it’s easier and more cost effective to just have the tooth removed, a full set of pearly whites is essential for efficient chewing, maintaining normal biting force, keeping a natural appearance, and protecting your other teeth from excessive wear or strain.
Signs That You Need Root Canal Treatment
In many cases, you might not even realize that your tooth has become infected until a lot of damage has already been done. Call your dentist in Conyers right away if you notice:
- A severe toothache whenever you chew or put pressure on it
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages (meaning the tooth still hurts after the source of the heat or cold is gone)
- Darkened teeth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- A “pimple” on the gums that doesn’t go away
- A bad taste in the mouth
There are some cases where there aren’t any observable symptoms present even if there’s an infection; that’s why it’s important to have regular dental checkups twice a year.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
First, we’ll take an X-ray to check the shape of the root canals in the tooth; we also need to make sure that the infection hasn’t spread to the jawbone. After that, we’ll use anesthesia to numb the area. (Thanks to this and other modern dental techniques, modern root canal treatment is far more comfortable than its reputation would have you believe.) A rubber dam might be used to keep the area saliva-free.
A small hole is created in the tooth; through it, we can remove the pulp along with any bacteria. The inside will then be thoroughly cleaned before being filled. Finally, a crown will be used to protect the tooth from further damage.
Root Canal FAQs
Have you been told that you’re in need of root canal therapy? The good news is that the procedure is much less scary that it’s portrayed in movies, but you may still have some unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canal therapy in Conyers. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call. Our friendly team is eager to walk you through the process so you can feel more prepared.
Learm More About Root Canals
Have you been told that you’re in need of root canal therapy? The good news is that the procedure is much less scary that it’s portrayed in movies, but you may still have some unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canal therapy in Conyers. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call. Our friendly team is eager to walk you through the process so you can feel more prepared.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Going back into history, root canals likely weren’t very comfortable. Fortunately, thanks to modern dental technology and techniques, the procedure feels similar to getting a cavity filled. Root canal therapy is actually designed to relieve pain by eliminating infection within the tooth. Dr. Amin will begin the procedure by numbing the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic. While you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterwards. This will fade away after a couple of days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after a few days, give us a call so we can help!
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the need for another root canal is to take good care of your oral health. Be sure to brush twice, floss, and use mouthwash on a daily basis, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. You should also maintain a healthy diet by limiting sugar, eating plenty of nutritious foods, and staying hydrated. When playing sports, wear a mouthguard to avoid injuring your smile.
Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?
Most patients don’t need to take antibiotics before or after getting a root canal. You will likely only be prescribed antibiotics if you have a health condition that increases your risk of developing an infection after a major dental procedure. Dr. Amin will go over your medical history with you beforehand to determine whether prescribing antibiotics for you is a good idea.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol, it is a good idea to refrain from tobacco since it can interfere with numbing medication. Get a good night’s sleep before your root canal. This can help to reduce your nerves and help your immune system to stay in optimal shape for a quick recovery!
