Endodontic Procedures: Root Canals
Teeth are some of the most robust tissues in our body. They are also vulnerable to damage from the things we eat and drink, improper oral care, and even injuries. While a simple crack or chip in your tooth may be easily fixed with a temporary filling, dental bonding or porcelain solution, other damage to the teeth can be more extensive.
When decay or injury damages the soft tissue inside your teeth, called the pulp, it may be necessary to have an endodontic treatment called a root canal. Our skilled dentists at Eberhardt Dentistry are ready to save your natural teeth, treating the damage and repairing them expertly.
Root Canal Infection
Your tooth is made up of three layers:
- The outer protective layer called the enamel
- The middle sensitive layer called the dentin
- And the inner layer or chamber, filled with nerves and blood vessels – the pulp
When your tooth is damaged by deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or injury, bacteria can make their way into the pulp chamber. The roots of the tooth are then vulnerable to infection. As the infection settles in, blood flow to the area increases. The body is trying to fight the infection and save the tooth, and the result is inflammation and pressure, which you feel as pain.
An infection in the tooth’s pulp is severe and needs immediate attention from a dentist or endodontist.
Root Canal Therapy in Akron
The most common dental procedure that endodontists perform is root canal treatment. Despite its infamous reputation, a root canal procedure is no more painful than getting a dental filling. It is considered a conservative treatment because it aims to preserve the tooth rather than extract it.
Modern anesthetics have made root canals a comfortable procedure. Once we have numbed the area around the tooth, the pulp is removed and the pulp chamber is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. After the site is filled, a protective dental crown will be placed over the area to support your bite and stabilize the healing tooth.
Following your root canal treatment, you may experience some mild discomfort and tenderness at the site. This should last for a couple of days, but you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication to relieve it. Avoid biting down hard or eating chewy foods for several days while the tooth and tissues heal.
Root canal therapy can save your tooth and your wallet. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an infected tooth, such as pain or swelling in the gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, discoloration of the tooth, or any other sign of infection or damage, contact our office in Akron, OH, immediately.
Eberhardt Dentistry of Akron is ready to assist with your dental work needs. Whether you need emergency care or a general dentist for a cleaning and exam, our expert staff is here to help. We’ll work with you step by step to get you the dental care you need at an affordable price and maximize your dental insurance benefits. Call us today at (330) 836-5585 for more information or to schedule an appointment online.
