When a tooth becomes badly damaged by injury or decay, the inner dental pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, can become inflamed and infected. This condition can be uncomfortable and painful, and it often requires swift dental treatment to provide relief and save the tooth. If you are experiencing tooth pain, we encourage you to visit Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC for an evaluation. If it is determined that you require a root canal, prosthodontists can work hand-in-hand with endodontic specialists to provide quality care that can restore health, form, and function to your tooth. For more information about root canal therapy, please continue to review the informative content we have provided below, or contact our office to reach a member of our team.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy and Restoration
The most important purpose of root canal treatment is to save the tooth from dying. Extracting a tooth, without replacing it with a dental implant, can affect jawbone density and the health of surrounding teeth, so it is typically best to try and save the tooth if at all possible. Furthermore, inflamed or infected dental pulp can cause extreme pain, tooth sensitivity, and formation of an abscess, all of which can be addressed with root canal therapy. Undergoing root canal treatment and restoration can:
- Prevent the loss of your natural tooth
- Remove all infection, decay, and damage from the affected tooth
- Restore full form and function of the tooth with a custom dental crown
- Resolve pain, sensitivity, and inflammation associated with the tooth
- Eliminate the need for tooth extraction
- Preserve the health of surrounding teeth
Candidates for Root Canal Therapy
Individuals in need of root canal treatment often notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Intense tooth pain
- Continuous sensitivity to hot and cold
- Discomfort while chewing
- Tooth damage and/or discoloration
- Signs of abscess at the tooth root or along the gumline including redness, heat, swelling, and discharge.
- Inflammation and/or tenderness along the gumline
In some cases, however, be aware that you may not notice any symptoms at all, but your dentist might identify the need for root canal therapy during a routine examination. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, we suggest you make an appointment to see one of our prosthodontists right away.
The Root Canal Procedure and Restoration Process
During the course of treatment for root canal therapy, the endodontist you are referred to will first drill a small hole through the top of the tooth and remove the infected pulp tissue. The pulp chamber and root canals are then cleaned out and disinfected to remove all pathogenic bacteria. If there is evidence of an abscess, the endodontist will likely place a temporary seal on the tooth, provide you with antibiotics to fight the infection, and schedule a follow-up appointment. When the infection has cleared, the canals are packed and sealed with an inert rubber-like material called gutta percha. Once the root canal therapy is completed, you will be informed by the endodontist when it is time to begin the process of restoring the tooth with one of our prosthodontists at Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the access opening is either filled with an amalgam or composite filling, or restored with a post and core, and finally topped with a custom crown.
Results of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal procedures can be complex, which is why we utilize the services of an experienced endodontist to deliver superior results from root canal therapy. Endodontists are specially trained in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp, making them ideally suited for performing root canal procedures. Our goal is always to deliver excellent care and hopefully reduce the need for our patients to undergo root canal retreatments. Since our prosthodontists at Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC are exceptionally skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures, you can expect that your treated tooth can be restored with exceptional results that look and function much like your natural tooth.
Contact Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC
If you have more questions about root canal treatment and restoration, we invite you to contact our practice to schedule an appointment with one of our prosthodontists.