Root Canal Therapy at Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat infections in the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your teeth. Each year, endodontists and dentists perform about 15 million root canals in the United States. Often, proper dental care can help you avoid needing a root canal.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is necessary when bacteria from your mouth invade the pulp inside your tooth, causing inflammation (pulpitis). This can happen if you have:
- A deep cavity that needs treatment.
- A cracked or damaged tooth that allows bacteria to infect the pulp.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
An infected tooth might require root canal treatment if you experience:
- Persistent tooth pain that spreads to your jaw, face, or other teeth.
- Pain when eating or touching the tooth, indicating damaged nerves.
- Swollen or tender gums.
- Pimples or boils on your gums that ooze pus.
- A swollen jaw from pus that doesn’t drain.
- Discolored tooth due to restricted blood flow.
- Loose tooth from softened supporting bones.
Procedure Details
Before the procedure, your dentist or endodontist will take X-rays of the affected tooth and may perform other tests to confirm the need for a root canal, such as:
- Gently tapping on the tooth or using hot or cold substances to check for sensitivity.
- Conducting an electric pulp test (EPT) to see if the pulp reacts.
- Checking for gum and bone swelling around the tooth.
- Asking about pain when biting down.
During the root canal:
- Anesthesia: Your dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Isolation: A dental dam is placed over the tooth to keep it dry.
- Access: A small hole is drilled into the tooth to access the pulp.
- Cleaning: The infected pulp is removed using tiny dental instruments.
- Disinfection: The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and disinfected.
- Filling: The empty space is filled with gutta-percha, a rubbery dental material.
- Sealing: The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling to prevent bacteria from entering.
- Crowning: A dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to protect it and restore its function. This final step usually occurs two to three weeks after the initial treatment.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
Root Canals in Marietta & Decatur. After the procedure, you may rest at the dental clinic until the anesthesia wears off. Some people prefer to rest at home, while others continue with their usual activities.
Typically, you’ll have two additional appointments: one to prepare your tooth for a dental crown and another to place the crown.
Risks and Benefits
Benefits: Root canals eliminate tooth infections that, if left untreated, could spread to other teeth and cause jawbone damage.
Risks: Occasionally, root canals fail if they aren’t the right solution for your tooth. If this happens, options include re-treating the tooth with another root canal or extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
Recovery and Care
Recovery usually takes less than a week. Contact your dentist if the treated tooth hurts for more than a week. To aid healing:
- Eat soft foods for a few days.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth if waiting for a permanent crown.
- If you smoke, try to take a break as smoking impedes healing.
- Brush your teeth after every meal and floss once a day.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection.
For more information on Root Canals in Marietta & Decatur or to schedule an appointment, contact Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry. We’re here to help you maintain your oral health and achieve a bright, healthy smile.