What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
- Relieves Pain:Despite what you may have heard, root canal therapy relieves pain associated with tooth pulp infection rather than causing pain.
- Preserves Natural Teeth:Root canal therapy helps restore damaged teeth, maintaining your natural smile.
- Prevents Spread of Infection:Removing the damaged pulp tissues helps prevent the spread of infection to other teeth and around the body.
- Improved Oral Health:Preserving your natural teeth helps maintain your jawbone density and enhances your oral health.
What Is Root Canal Therapy and How Does It Work?
Inside each tooth is the inner pulp chamber, which houses its nerves and blood vessels. If this pulp becomes damaged or infected due to extensive decay, cracks, fracture, or trauma, you may require a root canal treatment. The procedure involves removing the diseased tissues, which helps relieve your discomfort and restore your smile’s health and function.
If left untreated, the damage can progress, leading to severe pain and sensitivity. The infection can also spread to neighboring teeth and enter the bloodstream, causing serious health concerns. Root canal therapy safeguards your oral health and your general well-being.
Warning signs of tooth pulp damage include the following:
- Persistent tooth pain that intensifies with chewing or pressure
- Lingering sensitivity to cold or hot foods or drinks
- A fractured, chipped, or broken tooth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Tooth darkening or discoloration
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
- Treatment Planning: Your root canal treatment will start with a thorough assessment to establish an accurate diagnosis. Oftentimes, a detailed history of symptoms, clinical testing and dental radiographs are used together to establish an accurate diagnosis. In more complicated cases, we can use our CBCT unit to capture 3D images of the affected tooth and the surrounding structures, including the jaws, sinuses, and nerve pathways. CBCT scans help us evaluate your tooth roots and uncover any unusual anatomy. When needed, we use this detailed information to help plan treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Treatment: We will start your treatment by numbing the affected tooth and the surrounding areas with a local anesthetic for your comfort. We are also happy to offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, if needed, to help you relax during treatment. Once you are ready, we will remove the damaged tooth pulp, clean and reshape the root canals, place a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha, and seal the area.
- Restoration: After your root canal treatment, your tooth will be more prone to breakage, which is why, especially for back teeth, a crown is the final part of the recommended treatment plan. With proper home oral hygiene practices and regular dental exams and cleanings, your root canal-treated tooth can continue to enhance your smile for a lifetime.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Mesa, AZ
Contact Lake Vista Dentistry to learn more about relieving your pain and restoring damaged teeth with root canal therapy. You can always count on our dedicated team for compassionate, state-of-the-art care.
Call 480-832-3400 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today!
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