If you’re searching for a dentist in Cornelia or a dentist near you, learning about procedures such as root canal therapy in Cornelia may alleviate some of your anxiety. Many people hear “root canal” and think of pain right away, but modern dentistry has made root canal therapy more comfortable than ever before. Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that saves a tooth which is heavily infected or damaged and restores the tooth to health and function to avoid further complications down the road.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that treats the infection deep within the tooth. This procedure addresses the soft tissue known as the pulp, which is made up of nerves and blood vessels. If this pulp becomes swollen/inflamed and infected due to decay, trauma or multiple dental procedures you may find it to be painful and swollen. If you do not seek treatment, the infection can spread and the tooth could turn into an abscess or even cause the tooth to be lost.
Root Canal Procedure Steps
Understanding what to expect during a root canal can help ease anxiety. Here are the usual steps:
- Examination and X-rays – Your dentist will examine the tooth and surrounding tissue and use X-rays to evaluate the extent of the infection.
- Anesthesia – Local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area so you will not experience any pain during the procedure.
- Accessing the tooth– Your dentist will cut a small opening, called an access opening, through the crown of your tooth in order to access the pulp that is infected.
- Removal of pulp – The dentist will gradually remove the infected or damaged pulp by using instruments made for a root canal.
- Cleaning and Shaping – Cleaning the canals will be done and shaped to be filled, and the canals will be sprayed.
- Filling the Canals – The empty area we will fill the canals with a biocompatible substance (usually gutta-percha) to close the canals to avoid re-infection.
- Restoration – The tooth will be repaired by a crown or filling to make it strong and functional.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The local anesthesia causes minimal discomfort to most patients when performing the procedure. You can also experience certain pressure when the dentist proceeds with his work; sharp pain is not commonly experienced. Severe soreness or sensitivity in the few days after the procedure is normal. You may use over-the-counter medicine to relieve pain, and dentist in Cornelia will probably also give you instructions on how to take care to ensure healing.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy near you or in your area is not just a way to get out of pain:
- Maintain Natural Teeth- You will not have to extract your tooth and you will retain your bite.
- Prevention of Infection – By removing bacteria, root canal treatment provides protection for your adjacent teeth and gums.
- Restores Function – A root canal allows you to chew and talk normally without discomfort.
- Improves Oral Health – Root canal treatment promotes overall oral health while mitigating adverse outcomes.
Root canal treatment today is quick, safe, and efficient. Teeth treated with a root canal can last many years with proper maintenance, helping the patient avoid future invasive procedures.
Conclusion
Learning about root canal treatments in Cornelia, GA, can help you find the experience less troubling. You can also use the knowledge for dental health decisions. For a dentist in Cornelia, GA, who specializes in performing root canal therapy, Kinsey Smiles offers world-class service, state-of-the-art techniques, and comfort and care for your dental health. Call to schedule a consultation today to save your teeth and to keep a healthy smile.