Anytime you can keep your own, natural tooth it is a huge blessing to your mouth. So when you have a painful, sensitive tooth, you don’t want to just pull it out! Let Ward Creager Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in North Ogden, UT take a look to see if root canal therapy can allow you to get rid of the pain and keep the tooth. Root canals often get a bad rap, and many people feel anxious considering them. This is another reason why Dr. Ward Creager and our dedicated team take their time to give each patient a thorough evaluation and discuss all of the recommended options. Once you’ve decided a root canal really is best for your tooth, our team is committed to providing comfortable, high-quality root canal therapy. Don’t let fear keep you in pain any longer! Talk to Ward Creager Family and Cosmetic Dentistry about saving your tooth with root canal therapy.
What
is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal or endodontic therapy is a dental procedure designed to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the pulp). This treatment aims to save a tooth that might need to be removed. During the procedure, we will remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal the tooth.
Who Needs Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy may be necessary for individuals who experience:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent or intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, can indicate the need for root canal therapy. This pain often results from infection or inflammation of the tooth’s pulp.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers even after the source of the heat or cold is removed may indicate nerve damage within the tooth, making root canal treatment necessary if the tooth is to remain.
- Swelling or Tenderness: Swelling, tenderness, or inflammation in the gums or nearby areas of the face can be signs of infection or abscess associated with the tooth’s root, requiring root canal therapy to alleviate the condition.
- Discoloration of the Tooth: Discoloration or darkening of a tooth may indicate that the nerve tissue inside the tooth has been damaged or infected, warranting root canal treatment to address the underlying issue and restore the tooth’s health and appearance.
- Deep Decay or Damage: Teeth with deep cavities, cracks, fractures, or other forms of trauma that expose the inner pulp tissue may require root canal therapy to remove infected or damaged tissue and prevent further complications.
- History of Dental Procedures: Teeth that have undergone multiple dental procedures, such as fillings or crowns, may be more prone to infection or damage to the pulp tissue, necessitating root canal therapy to save the tooth and avoid extraction (having the tooth pulled out).
- Abscess Formation: A dental abscess, a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection, often indicates advanced decay or infection within the tooth’s pulp. It requires root canal treatment to address the underlying cause and prevent the spread of infection.
What is the
Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
Understanding what to expect during root canal therapy can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with it.
- X-ray and Examination: Dr. Creager will start by examining the tooth and taking an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage.
- Anesthesia: We will administer local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Pulpectomy: An opening is made in the tooth’s crown to access the infected pulp. Dr. Creager will carefully remove the damaged pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling.
- Filling and Sealing: The cleaned and shaped space is filled and sealed with biocompatible materials.
- Restoration: Finally, a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore its functionality and appearance.
What are the
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy offers several significant benefits:
- Pain Relief: Eliminating the infection can alleviate the severe pain associated with an infected tooth.
- Natural Appearance: Restoring your tooth with a crown or filling ensures it remains functional and blends with your other teeth, maintaining your healthy, beautiful smile.
- Preservation of Natural Tooth: Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing and biting forces and prevents other teeth from shifting.
- Prevention of Further Infection: Removing the infected pulp prevents the spread of infection to nearby teeth and tissues.
Root Canal Therapy
in North Ogden
Root canal therapy is a highly effective way to treat infected teeth, relieve pain, and preserve your natural smile. At Ward Creager Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Creager and his team are devoted to providing comfortable and high-quality root canal therapy to our patients in and around North Ogden, UT.
If you suspect you may need a root canal, please schedule a consultation with our dental team today.
