What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes infected tissue inside your tooth to relieve pain and prevent the damage from spreading. Your dentist often recommends root canals when you've got too much damage to repair with a standard filling. Also, root canals are often the best way to save your natural tooth and avoid extraction and a dental implant.
When do I need a root canal?
Your teeth's soft tissues typically grow infected after a cavity spreads, or after trauma to the tooth. There are a number of possible signs when this happens, including:
- Gum inflammation
- Tooth sensitivity or pain after exposure to hot or cold
- Tooth or jaw soreness
- Bad breath
- Darkening of a tooth
- Swelling around a tooth
If you have any of the symptoms above, visit Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. as soon as possible so a dental expert can diagnose the issue and recommend a root canal or other appropriate treatment.
How does a root canal work?
At Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S., endodontic specialist Kent Strickman, DDS, performs root canals. Usually, a root canal requires two visits to the office.
Dr. Strickman starts by numbing the area all around your tooth so you'll be pain-free during your root canal procedure. Dr. Strickman makes a small hole in the damaged tooth and then uses small dental tools to extract all the infected tissue. He then irrigates your tooth and tooth roots thoroughly.
Next, Dr. Strickman places a pliable biocompatible material, gutta-percha, in the area where the decayed tissue was previously. He sets the gutta-percha with an adhesive cement to keep the area sealed. Finally, Dr. Strickman places either a temporary filling or crown to keep the hole closed until your permanent crown is ready.
You'll return to Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. to get your permanent crown. Usually, Dr. Heller places the crown and makes any adjustments needed for a perfect fit. After that, you can use your tooth with confidence.
Click the online appointment maker or call Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. to schedule your visit to discuss root canals today.
