Root Canal Therapy (RCT or Endodontics)
Welcome to Red Hills Dental, where your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. Dr. Matthew Bergman and our compassionate team are pleased to introduce you to our expert service: Root Canal Therapy.
Explore the relief and restoration offered by Root Canal Therapy at Red Hills Dental. We understand the importance of preserving your natural teeth and ensuring a pain-free, healthy smile.
- What is root canal therapy?
- How is root canal therapy performed?
- Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- What should I look for?
- How It Benefits You
What is root canal therapy?
Root Canal Therapy is a highly effective dental procedure designed to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp. This therapy aims to save a natural tooth that might oderwise require extraction. When the nerve of a tooth is infected or has been affected by decay or trauma, root canal therapy is needed. When a root canal is needed, the tooth often hurts. Sometimes it will keep you up at night. Sometimes the gums around it will swell up. Sometimes it hurts and then goes away. On the very rare occasion, the tooth never hurts and never shows signs of infection. Regardless of the cause, the structural integrity of the tooth can be saved by removing the living tissues inside the tooth. The living tissues are called the pulp and consist of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The roots are left in place in the jaw bone and the pulp and affected tissues are removed with small instruments and medicated solutions.
Root canal therapy is preferential to having a tooth extracted. Keeping a tooth with a root canal has shown to be more cost effective than replacement. Root canal therapy also helps to avoid the complications expected with an extraction. Our patients experience a better quality of life when they keep the teeth they have.
Success rates for root canal therapy are very high. Teeth can be restored to their original function.
How is root canal therapy performed?
A root canal procedure may require one or more appointments depending on the doctor and the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Bergman usually performs root canals in 2 visits. Sedation is never required for root canal therapy but is available upon request. Most general dentists perform easy root canal procedures. Dr. Bergman performs easy and moderate root canal procedures and refers to competent, trustworthy local endodontists (board certified root canal experts) when significant difficulty is expected with the procedure.
While the tooth is numb, the tooth is kept dry and free of saliva. An opening is made on top of the tooth or crown to access the pulp. Small files and instruments are used to clean out the inside of the tooth roots. Files are used to shape the canal inside the root. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
After cleaning and disinfecting the canals inside the root, the roots are filled with a medicine that will kill bacteria and neutralize any remaining tissues. Finally, the tooth will be sealed with a temporary filling.
At the next appointment, no sooner than two weeks later, the medicine inside the roots is cleaned out, filled, and sealed with a special biocompatible dental material. The top of the canals are sealed with a filling and the tooth is built back up and strengthened with bonding. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and restore it to its full function.
Because the treatment involves the entire root(s) of the tooth, there may be sensitivity and tenderness when anesthetic wears off. The discomfort will subside as the inflammation around the tooth lessens and tissues heal.
Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will help increase the life of your root canal treatment.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Preservation of Natural Teeth: Maintain the integrity of your natural smile.
- Pain Relief: Alleviate the discomfort associated with infected or inflamed tooth pulp.
- Prevent Spread of Infection: Halt the progression of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues.
- Efficient and Predictable: Root Canal Therapy has a high success rate in saving teeth.
What should I look for?
- A pimple or abscess on the gums next to the tooth
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold
- Tooth pain
- Trauma to the tooth from a child, a ball, the pavement, or a bar fight
- Tenderness or swelling
- A foul odor or taste
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Painful chewing
- Ear pain with jaw pain
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, it is important that you have your teeth and gums examined by a dental professional as soon as possible.
How It Benefits You
Our patient-focused approach to Root Canal Therapy includes:
- Thorough Examination: Comprehensive assessment to determine the need for root canal treatment.
- Advanced Techniques: Utilization of modern techniques for a comfortable and efficient procedure.
- Post-Treatment Care: Guidance on caring for your treated tooth and maintaining overall oral health.
Is root canal therapy right for you?
Consider Root Canal Therapy if you:
- Experience severe toothache or sensitivity.
- Have swelling or tenderness near a tooth.
- Want to save a natural tooth from extraction.
Consult with Dr. Matthew Bergman to determine if Root Canal Therapy is the best solution for your dental needs.
Invest in the health and longevity of your smile with Red Hills Dental. Our Root Canal Therapy services offer a reliable and comfortable solution to save your natural teeth. Trust us to make your dental experience exceptional.
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FAQs
Is root canal therapy painful?
Modern techniques and anesthesia ensure that the procedure is comfortable, and patients often report relief from pain.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The duration varies based on the complexity, but most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments.
Can I drive home after a root canal?
In most cases, you can drive home after the procedure. However, it’s advisable to have someone accompany you, especially if sedation is used.
Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to alleviate pain and preserve your natural smile? Schedule your Root Canal Therapy consultation with Dr. Matthew Bergman today. Your journey to a pain-free, healthy smile starts here!
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