Have you ever had an inflamed tooth? If so, you know the swollen gums and unbearable pain that come along with it may require a root canal treatment. There are so many unfounded myths surrounding this procedure. Root canal therapy has advanced into a far less fearful approach and is no more painful than getting a tooth filled.
The purpose of a root canal process is not to cause you pain but get you relief. At High Country Family Dentistry in Flagstaff, Arizona, we guarantee you that with the current technology and modern techniques, a root canal is a highly successful treatment that essentially prolongs the longevity of your impaired tooth.
Why Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Only a minor section of your tooth is visible in the mouth. The tooth has multiple hard coverings. Deep inside the core of your tooth lie the connective tissue nerves and blood vessels. The tooth's chamber houses the nerve portion that extends into the root canal roots. If any trauma or infection to the tooth leads to permanent injury of these nerves, then Dr. Ryan Tuinstra may recommend a root canal treatment. This infection may have been caused by untreated tooth decay, trauma, tooth grinding, or gum disease.
The chief purpose of a root canal procedure is to remove bacteria and dead nerve tissues so that the infection cannot spread and cause further damage.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment?
The root canal treatment is generally completed in one visit. The first step of the procedure the Dr Tuinstra numbs the area and creates an opening in the tooth to access the root and then removes the damaged or infected nerve tissue. We will shape the canals with fine dental instruments and pack them with a medicated filling material called gutta-percha. Finally, the opening of the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling material. A permanent restoration such as a dental crown would be secured after several weeks, once the tooth is confirmed to be free of infection.
The crowns will ensure the longevity of the weakened tooth and protect its compromised structure. The crown will be color-matched with the shade of the existing natural teeth.
After-Care
After a root canal process, you can expect some soreness and discomfort that will subside in a few days. Dr Ryan Tuinstra may recommend an over the counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen and sometimes an antibiotic. If antibiotics are prescribed please be sure to follow the instructions.
Root Canal
To learn more about our root canal treatments, visit our office, High Country Family Dentistry, at 504 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. You can also reach us at (928) 779-3666.