Quick Summary
Root canal treatment is the way to save a tooth once infection has set in, whether the cause is deep decay, a faulty crown, trauma or repeated dental procedures. The damaged pulp is removed, the interior cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed, and the tooth is restored with a crown or filling. The result keeps the natural tooth, restores normal sensation and biting force, and relieves the pain.
An aching tooth can make your life miserable. Pain, difficulty eating, inability to sleep, headaches and earaches are some of the problems that often accompany a toothache. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect a damaged tooth, a trip to the dentist is in order to see if root canal treatment might be needed.
What is root canal therapy? Although it has gotten a bad reputation over the years, it is the best way to save your tooth once infection has set in. The cause for the problem can vary, including deep tooth decay, a faulty crown, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Once the inside of the tooth called the pulp becomes damaged, root canal treatment is the ideal solution. If you don’t seek treatment, severe pain and possible tooth loss may be in your future.
During root canal therapy, the damaged tooth pulp is carefully removed so that the interior of the tooth can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Then the tooth is filled and sealed using a special material. Finally, the tooth is fully restored with a crown or filling to offer protection from future damage.
What are the positive outcomes of root canal treatment? First, it gives you back the complete function and natural appearance of your real tooth. You avoid getting a hole in your smile or needing a procedure like a dental implant. Root canal treatment restores your normal sensation and biting force, providing for efficient and painless chewing. This treatment also protects other teeth from receiving excessive wear, since your real tooth remains in place and able to take its fair share of tooth wear. Of course, treatment will also relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with your damaged tooth.
Root canal treatment is usually quite simple when performed by a qualified dental professional. Modern techniques allow the process to be as comfortable as just getting a normal filling. The procedure may be completed in only a couple of appointments and the end result will be a long-lasting, healthy tooth.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Billerica dental office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the damage that leads to a root canal?
The cause can vary and includes deep tooth decay, a faulty crown, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Once the pulp inside the tooth becomes damaged, root canal treatment is the solution.
What does the treatment achieve?
It gives back the complete function and natural appearance of your real tooth, so you avoid a gap in your smile or a procedure such as a dental implant. It restores normal sensation and biting force for efficient, painless chewing, and it protects the other teeth from excessive wear because your real tooth stays in place.
How uncomfortable is the procedure?
Modern techniques allow the process to be as comfortable as getting a normal filling. The procedure may be completed in only a couple of appointments.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.