Root canal therapy can treat and preserve natural teeth affected by deep tooth decay, infection, inflammation, or traumatic injury. The treatment focuses on removing the compromised tissue within the tooth, protecting surrounding teeth, and maintaining long-term oral health. That way, patients can avoid having to go through the trouble of getting tooth replacements that require additional procedures and healing times. Nevertheless, knowing what to expect during root canal therapy can demystify the procedure and highlight why it would be necessary.
An endodontist typically recommends root canal therapy when the soft tissue inside a tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. This may occur as a result of deep cavities, cracks, chips, or trauma that exposes the inner tissue to harmful bacteria. Symptoms often include:
An untreated infection in the tooth pulp can spread to surrounding tissues and cause more severe health complications. In the worst cases, it could necessitate tooth extraction. Conversely, root canal therapy offers a less invasive approach to eliminating the infection, alleviating pain, and preserving the natural tooth.
Root canal therapy is a straightforward process that involves several key steps to ensure the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, sealed, and protected against future infections. These steps are as follows:
The process begins with a comprehensive examination by an endodontist. Diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, are used to identify the extent of damage or infection and to map the shape and length of the root canals. The endodontist will ask about medical history, allergies, and medications to ensure patient safety.
Modern pain management techniques have made root canal therapy much less intimidating than its reputation might suggest. An endodontist will likely use local anesthesia and a topical numbing gel to make the procedure virtually painless. Most patients report that the experience feels no different from getting a standard dental filling.
The first step of root canal therapy involves accessing the tooth's inner chamber. The endodontist creates a small opening on the surface of the tooth to reach the infected or damaged pulp. They will then remove the compromised pulp and clean out the canals with specialized instruments.
Next, the endodontist will shape the canals to prepare them for the filling material. The cleaning and shaping process may take longer for teeth with multiple canals, such as molars.
The next step is to fill the tooth with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, to seal it against new bacteria. The endodontist will then place a temporary filling over the opening. This protects the tooth while the patient waits for a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown. The final restoration enhances the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance.
Root canal therapy is a reliable and routine procedure that can save natural teeth and significantly improve oral health. Addressing infections at their source helps alleviate pain, prevent further complications, and restore functionality to the affected tooth. Contact our Knoxville endodontist today for more information.
Request an appointment here: https://fountaincitydental.com or call Dental Partners Fountain City at (865) 672-6525 for an appointment in our Knoxville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Root Canal Therapy in Knoxville, TN.
Root canal therapy is a commonly performed dental treatment that is used to treat infection or swelling of the pulp tissues inside a tooth. A tooth’s pulp is the blood vessels and nerves in its innermost layer called the pulp chamber. It is sealed off from the rest of a tooth to protect its sensitive…
Using the right toothbrush is part of preventive dentistry. Your dental health is more secure if you have the right tool for cleaning your teeth and gums. An effective toothbrush can help you reach your dental health goals. If you want to know the basics of choosing the right toothbrush as part of preventive dentistry,…
Most people visit the dentist once or twice a year, but it is impossible to know when a visit to an emergency dentist might be necessary. These dentists work on issues that must be treated immediately and cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. For people who are experiencing an issue with their dentition, knowing whether…
If you experience a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth or severe tooth pain, your best bet is to visit the emergency dentist. However, some people opt to visit the ER for such emergencies, eventually wasting time and money. It is more vital than ever to know where to go when you experience serious issues…
Having missing teeth can be quite challenging for various reasons, such as proper eating and maintaining a confident smile. It can even affect speech. Thankfully, with the help of dental implants, all of these problems can be eliminated.Dental implants are small prosthetic pieces that are used to replace the base of a missing tooth. After…
When you have severe tooth decay, you should seek treatment immediately. The most common treatment method for tooth decay is a dental filling. Dental fillings restore the affected tooth to its normal shape and function and preserve its structure. The following blog explores the different types of dental fillings and how to ask a dentist…