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Root Canal Treatment – Endodontics

dianeadsmith — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:04:28 +0600

A root canal (or endodontic treatment) is necessary when the innermost part of your tooth, called dental pulp, becomes severely infected. This infection can cause severe pain, swelling or a loose tooth.

The treatment itself is relatively painless and involves making the area numb and creating an opening in the tooth. The infected tissue is then removed and the tooth sealed with a permanent filling or a crown.

What is a root canal?

Although our teeth look hard and solid, they have a softer inner core known as the pulp. This can become irritated, inflamed or infected for various reasons, including deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, large fillings, cracks or trauma to the mouth from sports. If left untreated, the pulp can die and the only option is to remove it.

Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthetic, which numbs the affected area. The dentist will put a rubber sheet (called a dam) around the infected tooth to isolate it from saliva during treatment. Once the infected tissue is removed, the canal is cleaned, disinfected, shaped and filled with a rubber compound called gutta percha. The tooth is then sealed with a permanent filling or crown.

A root canal is a successful procedure for most patients. But it is important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have a permanent filling and crown in place, as this could cause the tooth to break or dislodge. Also, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit your endodontist for regular checkups.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, saves damaged teeth by removing inflamed tooth pulp. This treatment is often painless and doesnt take very long to complete. It is performed under local anesthesia. The numbness should wear off after an hour or so, but it may take longer.

A spongy material called pulp contains a tooths nerve tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp resides inside the crown and roots of a tooth. If the pulp is inflamed or infected, it causes pain and swelling. Infections can spread to the surrounding bone and gum tissues, causing additional problems.

A root canal removes injured or infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the area, and seals the canals to prevent future infections. A dentist or endodontist performs a root canal treatment Bowling Green KY, which usually takes one to three appointments. The success rate for this dental procedure is high, and a successfully treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene.

Endodontic treatment

A root canal is a dental procedure where inflamed or infected tooth pulp tissue is removed, and the inside cavity of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. A filling or crown is then placed on the tooth to restore it to full function and prevent future infection.

A tooth can need a root canal treatment for a variety of reasons, such as severe pain or swelling of the tooth or gums, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods, or a cracked or chipped tooth. When left untreated, the infected or damaged tooth may eventually die and cause severe problems with nearby teeth.

During the treatment, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Once the area is completely numb, an opening will be made in your tooth and the infected or damaged pulp tissue will be removed. The space will be shaped, cleaned, and filled with gutta-percha (a rubber-like material), and the tooth will be sealed.

Endodontists

Over the years root canals have developed a bad reputation, but they are actually a painless dental procedure that saves teeth. A root canal is part of a dental specialty called endodontics, which treats the dental pulp (the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves).

An endodontist spends two to three additional years in residency after graduating from dental school, and they specialize in difficult and complex root canal treatment Bowling Green KY procedures. They have a unique understanding of how to treat infected teeth, and they focus on patient comfort.

During a root canal, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Then, a protective sheet called a dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the process. An opening is then created on the top of the tooth, and the bacteria will be removed with small handheld dental instruments. The area will then be shaped and cleaned, and a biocompatible material called gutta-percha is used to seal the area.

Replacing Missing or Damaged Teeth With Dental Implants

dianeadsmith — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:39:09 +0600

Replacing missing or damaged teeth with implants is a permanent option that looks, feels and functions like your natural teeth. The implant restorations attach to a titanium post anchored in your jaw bone, enabling you to have a full smile.

Dental implants are durable, strong and long-lasting, but they need to be maintained well. Book an appointment with one of the implant dentists in Raleigh to learn more about this treatment and its benefits.

They Look and Feel Like Real Teeth

Dental implants Raleigh NC recreate the hidden root structure of a missing tooth, and they support replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are the closest thing to a natural smile available today, and they deliver several other important benefits that cannot be found with dentures or dental bridges.

Unlike traditional dental restorations, implants do not require invasive treatment. In fact, most patients have very little discomfort or even pain after the procedure. If you are nervous about the process, we offer IV sedation, which allows you to relax in a twilight state and have no memory of the experience afterwards.

Some patients do not have enough bone mass in the jaw to support implants, but we can help through dental bone grafting or sinus lift procedures. These add bone material from a donor source or the patient's own body to stimulate new growth and create a solid foundation for the implant post.

They Prevent Bone Loss

When teeth are missing, the bones in the jaw deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This can lead to sagging and other cosmetic problems. Implants keep the jaw bone healthy by mimicking the natural tooth roots stimulation. They also provide stability for adjacent and opposing teeth, which prevents shifting or misalignment.

During treatment, implants are placed beneath the gums and gradually fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This can take several months, during which patients may have a temporary crown or denture.

Once theyre healed, dental implants are as easy to care for as natural teeth. Brush, floss, and schedule routine checkups, and you can expect your implants to last for decades. Patients who practice good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can damage their implants, like chewing hard foods and clenching or grinding their teeth, have the best results.

They Restore Bite Force

In a healthy mouth, the roots of your teeth stimulate your jaw bone to keep it strong. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area no longer receives stimulation and will gradually weaken over time. This is known as bone resorption. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and prevent bone resorption, helping to maintain facial structure and preventing additional tooth loss.

Dental implants also restore full bite functionality, allowing you to chew and enjoy food without discomfort. They can even allow you to eat more nutritious foods, like crunchy fruits and fibrous vegetables.

Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants Raleigh NC can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. They can also minimize the need for other treatments, such as bone grafts or crowns, making them an affordable long-term solution.

They Can Be Custom-Made

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that recreates the hidden root structure, and thus offer unparalleled stability and durability compared to bridges and dentures. With proper care, these artificial teeth can last for a lifetime.

Aesthetically, they look and feel like natural teeth, allowing patients to restore their smile and confidence after losing one or more teeth. Additionally, they preserve bone mass and prevent deterioration, and unlike dentures, they dont slip or move when eating or talking.

The implant treatment process begins with a surgically placed screw that integrates with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. After healing, we can attach a custom-made, artificial tooth to the screw, restoring your smile and oral function. To ensure long-term success, its important to practice good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental checkups at our Raleigh office, and avoid habits that could damage the implant, like chewing hard foods or clenching/grinding your teeth. If you have advanced gum disease, a sinus infection or another medical condition, you may require additional treatment to ensure a successful outcome.