Quick Summary
Endodontic treatment, better known as root canal therapy, saves a tooth damaged by decay or trauma. Signs include pain in the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling; severe cases may discharge pus. Not every badly damaged tooth causes symptoms, which is why regular check-ups and x-rays matter. Under local anaesthesia the damaged pulp is removed and the area cleaned, then a crown is usually placed on top.
A tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma may need endodontic treatment, also called root canal therapy, in order to save the tooth. Although it may sound like a scary procedure, advances in dentistry have made it a much less painful or upsetting process than it used to be. This treatment is worth it to restore your smile as naturally as possible.
How do you know you might need endodontics? You may experience pain in the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages, or swelling in the area. Severe cases may have a discharge of pus near the tooth. However, not all cases of a badly damaged tooth result in noticeable symptoms. That’s one reason it’s important to maintain regular checkups with your dentist, who will pick up on problems with a tooth that you may not realize is damaged. Examination and testing such as X-rays can help diagnose a tooth that is in dire need of repair.
When possible, dentists strive to save your real tooth. Sometimes the best way to do that is through root canal therapy, which involves removing the damaged tooth pulp from the interior of the tooth. Using local anesthesia to make you comfortable, the dentist or endodontist uses special tools to enter the root canal, remove the pulp, and clean the area thoroughly. Once the tooth is ready, a crown is usually placed on top of the existing tooth to protect it from future damage and to complete the process. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed if an infection was present to help ensure that you are in the best of health.
Endodontic treatment is often compared by patients to simply getting a regular tooth filling. The procedure is usually completed in one office visit and it won’t be long before you are back to your normal routine, with a fully restored natural tooth in your smile.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Billerica dental office to schedule your consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs I might need a root canal?
You may experience pain in the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages, or swelling in the area. Severe cases may have a discharge of pus near the tooth. Not all cases of a badly damaged tooth produce noticeable symptoms, which is one reason regular check-ups matter.
What actually happens during the procedure?
Using local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable, the dentist or endodontist uses special tools to enter the root canal, remove the damaged pulp, and clean the area thoroughly. Once the tooth is ready, a crown is usually placed on top to protect it from future damage.
How long does treatment take?
The procedure is usually completed in one office visit, and patients often compare the experience to getting a regular tooth filling.
Will I need antibiotics?
Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed if an infection was present, to help ensure you are in the best of health.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.