Root Canal Therapy An Overview
Hearing that you need a root canal may cause you stress or anxiety. However, we want to assure you that root canal therapy at Tryon Family Dentistry has never been easier and more comfortable for our patients.
This is because our doctors are both highly skilled, and our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that makes this procedure more efficient and relaxed for our patients.
Root canals are usually reserved for cases that have severe tooth infections that did not get addressed early on. A cavity that does not get a tooth filling will grow and cause deeper infection and tooth decay. This prompts the need for a root canal. Here’s what you can expect if Dr. Leo tells you that you need root canal therapy.
WHEN DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
Root canals are often associated with pain because if you need one, it is likely that you are already experiencing discomfort. If your tooth becomes injured, decayed, fractured or traumatized, the pulp or nerve may become infected. When that happens, you will likely feel pain or a toothache.
A root canal removes the infected tissue inside your tooth, which eliminates your infection, relieves your discomfort, and protects your natural tooth structure.
DOES ROOT CANAL THERAPY HURT?
Root canals are relatively painless! The pain you feel is from the tooth infection and decay. After a root canal treatment, you are almost immediately pain-free. At Tryon Family Dentistry, we begin with a CT scan, or 3-D imaging, if we suspect that your tooth is infected. This scan gives us the ability to see exactly where the canals are that house your nerve and we can plan your procedure ahead of time.
We also use electric rotary endodontic tools. Instead of stainless steel, rotary tools are made of titanium. Titanium is more adaptable than stainless steel, and this allows us easier access to the inner canals of your tooth. Not only are they more efficient and comfortable, electric tools are also virtually silent, which helps put our patients at ease.
Many patients experience anxiety about their dental treatment, especially procedures like root canals. For Cary and Raleigh, NC dentist Dr. Leo, your comfort is their top priority, and if you feel anxious about your dental procedure, we also have options for dental sedation such as nitrous oxide to help you feel more comfortable and at ease throughout your treatment.
AVOIDING ROOT CANAL THERAPY
It is our goal to help you avoid treatment like root canal therapy through routine cleanings and checkups. When you visit Tryon Family Dentistry every six months, Dr. Leo is able to detect issues such as tooth decay and gum disease in their earliest stages. This allows you to be proactive and treat decay with procedures such as a filling, keeping it from progressing into your nerve and resulting in the need for a root canal.
If your tooth is feeling sensitive to hot or cold foods or beverages, this may be an early indicator of decay in your tooth. This is a good reason to call your Raleigh or Cary dentist to schedule an examination.
Give Tryon Family Dentistry a call today for more information.
