Root Canal A root canal is a treatment that can help repair and save a tooth that has been infected or is decaying. The nerve and the pulp of the tooth will be removed, and the inside is then cleaned and sealed up. If this treatment is not done, the tooth will become infected and worse problems will occur. Our dentists at Robert F. Walker Jr. DDS can help you schedule your root canal to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. When Is a Root Canal Necessary?A root canal will be done when the pulp, or the inner soft part of the tooth, gets injured, infected, or inflamed. The crown of the tooth, which is the part you can see above the gums, will remain intact, even when this pulp dies. Removing the pulp is one of the best ways to preserve the structure of the tooth without replacing the whole thing. There are different factors that will cause damage to the pulp. Damage may come from a cavity in the tooth that is left untreated, multiple procedures done on the same tooth, the tooth getting chipped or cracked, or some kind of injury to the tooth. You may notice the pulp becomes damaged when there is swelling or issues with the gums. Our dental team can take a look at the tooth to determine if a root canal is right for you. What are the Signs That I Need a Root Canal?There are several signs you will notice when it is time to get a root canal. If you notice that you have tooth sensitivity to cold or heat and it tends to linger, then it is time to get the procedure. Sharp pain when you bite or chew, chipped or cracked teeth, painful or swollen gums, or deep decay of the teeth can all be signs that you should discuss a root canal with your dentist. What is the Root Canal Procedure Like?To perform a root canal, your dentist will use some anesthetic. A small amount of numbing medication is placed on the affected tooth before being injected into the gums. You will be awake while our dental team does the work, but will not be able to feel any pain. The dentist will then make an opening in the tooth to expose the damaged pulp. They can then remove it with a file. They will need to clean out the canals of the tooth carefully before topping the area with an antibiotic to keep any other infection away and out of the mouth. A temporary filling and sealant will be used on the tooth to keep it safe. When the numbing medication wears off, you may have sore gums for a bit. Pain medications are often prescribed to help with this and it does not last long. Get Relief From Your ToothacheWhile today’s dentistry gives us a lot of fantastic options for tooth replacement, nothing is better than your natural tooth. It is the primary goal of Robert F. Walker Jr. DDS to protect and preserve the teeth you were born with by all means possible. In a case where a tooth has become infected or abscessed to the point it is at risk of being lost, our dentist in Chandler, AZ offers comfortable, effective root canal therapy. Although root canal therapy is often rumored to be painful, advanced dental technologies and comforts have made this treatment more comfortable and effective than ever before. Having an infected or abscessed tooth can be excruciatingly painful. However, root canal therapy is meant to free you from the pain while restoring the tooth back to health. Your Comfort Is Our PriorityDon’t believe the hype! Root canals CAN be comfortable.Root canal therapy has become a routine dental treatment. Dr. Walker begins root canal therapy by making sure you are completely numb so that the entire experience will be virtually painless. Next, an opening is created in order to access the infected pulp, which is then removed. The canals that once held the infection are cleaned and shaped, treated with disinfectant, and filled with a rubbery material to protect the tooth from becoming infected again. Once complete, your tooth will be capped with a porcelain crown or onlay that will seal your dental work and leave your tooth looking natural and beautiful. The teeth you were born with were meant to last a lifetime, and it’s our goal to help make that possible. How We Can HelpOur team at Robert F. Walker Jr. DDS is here to help with all of your dental needs, including a root canal if one is necessary. We can discuss this option to make sure you are getting the proper dental care early on. Contact our team at (480) 786-4000 to set up your appointment. Areas We Love to Serve! |
