There is a very good chance that you know the term root canal treatment. It is one of the most recognized dental procedures. During a root canal, the infection in the inner tooth is removed, and the compromised dental pulp is replaced with a filling material. This procedure allows you to save your natural tooth, avoiding the need for an extraction. For many years, root canals had the reputation for being painful and unpleasant. However, with advances in dental technology and evolving techniques, this reputation is somewhat dated.
Did you know there are multiple ways to treat an infected tooth? Depending on your particular situation, the endodontist’s approach for treating your infected tooth may differ. Contact Access Endodontics today by calling 410.304.7226 if you need root canal therapy in Ellicott City. Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their team of dedicated dental professionals are here to help. They will assess your situation and determine which form of treatment is best for you. Their goal is to help you avoid a tooth extraction and allow you to regain functionality of your infected tooth.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
Root canals are performed when the dental pulp becomes infected. The dental pulp is the collection of nerve endings, blood vessels, and tissues in the inner cavity of the tooth. When an infection occurs within this area, the common treatment is to remove the dental pulp, clean out the cavity, and fill it in with a material called gutta-percha.
How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?
As always, it’s best to avoid self-diagnosis. Rather speak with a professional about any oral health issues. The following symptoms should trigger a call to your dentist, as these are indications that you may need a root canal.
- Sharp pain when eating or biting
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Significant tooth decay
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Swollen gums
- Pimples on gums
- Dark gums
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your dentist as soon as possible.
Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment
A non-surgical root canal treatment is the procedure use most frequently. It involves the removal of the infected dental pulp, the cleaning of the inner cavity of the tooth, the filling of the cavity, and the resealing of the tooth.
When an infection is significant, this is typically the only procedure that can save the tooth. Teeth that have had a root canal procedure may last the patient’s entire life, provided they care for it properly.
Apicoectomy
This is a procedure that your endodontist may recommend if other types of root canals have proven unsuccessful and infection has reached the jawbone. The apicoectomy procedure involves the removal of the tip of the tooth root and filling the area with a special material that can help guard against further infection.
This procedure has a rather quick recovery period, and patients can often go about their regular lives soon after receiving treatment.
Endodontic Retreatment
Root canal treatments have a high success rate, but it’s not 100%. When infection occurs even after a tooth has received root canal therapy, it may be necessary to perform an endodontic retreatment. This is essentially a second root canal.
Contact Access Endodontics for Your Root Canal Therapy
If you need a root canal, contact Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226. Our team of Drs. Jarboe and Waxman are ready to assess your situation and develop the best treatment plan possible.