Root Canal
Classic Smiles Dentistry is a cosmetic, family oriented, and restorative dentistry practice located in Austell, Georgia. We believe every smile is unique, and every treatment is customized to our patient’s individual needs and wishes.
When is a root canal required?
A root canal is a type of endodontic therapy that is often recommended if the tooth’s pulp and/or nerves become infected or damaged. When left untreated, this type of infection and disease can cause the tooth to die, which would require a tooth extraction. To restore the health of the tooth and avoid the need for extraction, our skilled dentist will perform a root canal to remove the infected and injured tissues from within the tooth, clean the tooth, and fill it with a medicated material.
What does a root canal entail?
Root canal treatments have a reputation for being painful. In reality, however, root canal treatments can often be completed with minimal discomfort thanks to advanced techniques, tools, and anesthesia. Our dentist, at Classic Smiles Dentistry, along with our entire dental team, work hard to provide you with a pleasant, comfortable experience. A root canal treatment is usually an in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia that completely numbs the affected tooth. If the dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located. When a root canal is performed, the infected portions of the tooth, including the pulp, are carefully removed. Tooth pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissue. An opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed. The roots that have been opened (to get rid of the diseased pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.
Retreatment
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. For the first few days following the completion of a root canal, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This sensitivity or discomfort usually can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients can return to their normal activities the next day.
If you need more information on this topic, contact Classic Smiles Dentistry at (770) 319-8110 and make an appointment.
