A common belief patients have is that extraction is the only option for a tooth with internal nerve damage. In some cases, our dentists at Beulah Family Dentistry may recommend root canal therapy to save a tooth affected by decay or infection. Through this treatment option, the genuine function of your natural tooth is preserved without altering the rest of your smile.
Our dentists at Beulah Family Dentistry are highly skilled at providing root canal therapy in our office. Depending on the extent of treatment required, we may refer patients to an endodontist to provide specialized care for the soft inner tissue of their teeth.
When Should You Consider Root Canal Therapy?
The root canal is present inside each tooth, containing the nerves and living tissue, also known as dental pulp, which determines the health of your smile. Potentially irreversible damage can occur to these necessary components when decay and infection occur within this chamber. Infected pulp may be the result of a number of factors, including poor hygiene, cavities, or facial trauma, and can contribute to greater dental health concerns. Root canal treatment clears out sources of harm, conserving your natural dentition while preventing more serious issues from developing.
Some patients are unaware they need root canal treatment until undergoing a dental exam. While symptoms may not always be present, our dentists at Beulah Family Dentistry recommend seeking immediate professional evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- Injury or trauma to a tooth
- Appearance of pus or an abscess on the gums
- Swelling or tenderness in the tissue surrounding a tooth
- Increased dental sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe and prolonged toothache
If left untreated, a tooth requiring a root canal can develop an abscess, a serious medical condition that can result in jaw bone loss and a potential visit to the emergency room. If you experience jaw swelling, fever, or tooth pain, you should give us a call at 850-706-5688 immediately.
What is Involved in Root Canal Treatment?
A thorough examination at Beulah Family Dentistry can detect teeth that would benefit from root canal treatment.
During root canal treatment, the affected tooth is numbed and surrounded by a dental dam to keep the area free of saliva. Specialized dental instruments are then used to create a small hole behind the tooth, through which infected pulp and bacteria is removed. As part of this comprehensive approach, any dental decay observed during the procedure will also receive care.
To prevent the recurrence of infection, the roots of a treated tooth will be sterilized, sealed, and filled with a biocompatible material called gutta percha. Additionally, a filling will be placed to cover the opening made to access the root canal. In order to lend additional strength and cosmetic appeal to teeth that have received treatment, may recommend crown placement.
Following root canal therapy, it is normal to experience moderate sensitivity while the healing process takes place. Patients should schedule a follow-up visit as soon as possible if this feeling does not eventually subside or becomes more persistent. Even when there are no outstanding issues, routine dental visits allow us to provide care that ensures the long-term success of the treatment.
Our Beulah patients will receive care instructions on maintaining proper at-home habits that will result in the enduring health of their smiles.