ROOT CANALS IN NEW SMYRNA, GA CAN BE A TOOTH-SAVING PROCEDURE

When most people hear the mention of “root canals” the immediate reaction is typically a negative groan. The procedure has earned a bad reputation as being a painful nuisance. The good news is that root canals are a relatively straightforward procedure that is used to eliminate pain and save a tooth from extraction. At Smyrna Dental in Smyrna, GA, Dr. Lamothe, and the team are skilled at this tooth-saving procedure to ensure your experience is comfortable with a quick recovery. Below, we’ll take a look at the basics of this common and important dental procedure.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

Root canals are a dental treatment that removes infected tissue inside a tooth while at the same time preserving the external natural tooth structure.

The tooth is made up of two parts: the crown, which is the visible portion above the gum line, and the root which exists below the gum line and holds the tooth securely in place in the jawbone. Inside the root are the root canals which holds the pulp chamber and the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. When this portion of the tooth becomes infected, it can cause considerable pain and irreversible damage without prompt treatment.

The most common causes for damage inside this pulp chamber include:

Deep dental decay
Trauma or injury to the tooth
Multiple restorations in the same tooth
Fractured tooth

THE TOOTH SAVING ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE

The process for performing root canal treatment is like that of a traditional dental filling. First, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic to make the procedure comfortable. Then, the dentist will access the pulp chamber and remove the damaged or infected tissue. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to eliminate any infection-causing bacteria. The canals are filled with a material called gutta- percha and a dental crown is placed over the tooth to strengthen its functionality and prevent further damage. Following root canals, patients will be free from painful symptoms.

ELIMINATE PAIN AND SAVE YOUR NATURAL TOOTH

If you have been in pain and are avoiding the dentist out of fear of root canals, we’re here to let you know that the procedure will actually eliminate symptoms, improve your quality of life, and prevent the need for more costly dental restorations. If you are in the Smyrna, GA area, give us a call today at (678) 374-3764 to book an appointment.