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What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure designed to treat the inside of a tooth when the dental pulp—comprising nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.
Root canal therapy is one of the most common endodontic treatments, providing an alternative to tooth extraction and allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canals offer several important benefits that make them a preferred treatment for saving damaged teeth:
- Pain Relief: A root canal alleviates the severe pain and sensitivity caused by an infected tooth, allowing you to return to normal daily activities without discomfort.
- Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Saving your natural tooth helps maintain your bite and keeps your other teeth properly aligned, supporting long-term oral health.
- Prevents Infection Spread: Removing the infected pulp prevents the spread of bacteria to surrounding teeth and gums, protecting your overall health.
- Restores Function and Appearance: Once the root canal is complete, the tooth is usually restored with a dental crown, restoring its function and appearance.
Learn more about our other restorative dentistry services, such as dental fillings and dental bridges, to see how we can help preserve your smile.
When is a Root Canal Needed?
Root canals are typically needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Common signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Severe toothache or pain when chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A persistent pimple on the gums
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment at one of our locations as soon as possible. Our skilled doctors will evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment plan.
The Root Canal Process at Palmetto Family Dental
At Palmetto Family Dental, our goal is to make your root canal experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible:
- Consultation and Diagnosis: During your initial visit, our team will assess your symptoms, examine your tooth, and use dental X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
- Treatment Planning: Based on your evaluation, we will create a personalized treatment plan and discuss the procedure with you. We will ensure you are comfortable and understand each step of the process.
- Root Canal Procedure: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, if needed, to ensure your comfort. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.
- Restoration: After the root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a custom dental crown to protect it and restore full function.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are important to maintain the health of your restored tooth and overall oral hygiene.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After your root canal, you may experience mild soreness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by our team to ensure a smooth recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns following your procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our office for support.
Convenient Locations and Compassionate Care
Palmetto Family Dental proudly serves the communities of Fayetteville, McDonough, Palmetto, and Zebulon. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Visit our locations page to find the office nearest you.