If you are suffering from
an infected or abscessed tooth, a
root canal may be the best way to relieve your discomfort and save the tooth. Despite the major benefits of a root canal, like many patients, you may be extremely apprehensive about the possibility of undergoing this procedure. However, understanding the process can help alleviate your unease as you prepare for a root canal. Columbia, TN dentist Dr. David Foster will explain each step of the treatment so that you can enjoy confidence and peace of mind.
What Does a Root Canal Do?
Beneath enamel and dentin, each tooth is filled with a soft pulp that contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. Teeth are alive, so the blood vessels deliver nutrients and remove waste. A deep cavity or fracture can allow bacteria to infiltrate the tooth’s canals and infect the pulp. As infection grows, you may experience pain in the tooth and inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue. During a root canal procedure, Dr. Foster will remove the diseased pulp and clean and seal the tooth’s root canals. A successful root canal treatment will allow you to keep your tooth and avoid extraction.
Step by Step
Before beginning a root canal, the dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. He will create an access cavity to reach the inside of the tooth, then remove infected nerve tissue and bacteria from the inner chamber and root canals. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, he will fill it with a rubber compound known as gutta percha. After treatment, Dr. Foster will place a dental crown to protect the tooth.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Root canal therapy has a reputation for being extremely unpleasant. The truth is that most patients experience minimal discomfort, if any. In fact, since many patients suffer from intense irritation and inflammation due to the infected tooth, the procedure is actually a welcome relief from their discomfort. Following a root canal, patients can typically return to their daily activities immediately. Any mild irritation can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Columbia, TN General Dentist
Do you have further questions about root canals? Are you looking for relief from an infected tooth? Dr. David Foster offers the latest in general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as root canal treatment. Schedule an appointment at our 38401 dentist office by calling (931) 388-3384 We welcome patients from Columbia, Spring Hill, Mt. Pleasant, Lewisburg, Lewisburg, Hohenwald, Centerville and surrounding communities.