Root Canals Are you experiencing tooth pain and swollen gums? Do you have a cracked tooth that is showing signs of infection near the gumline? Are you ready to get to the bottom of the issue and improve your quality of life? If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you may be a candidate for a root canal. Our professionals at Osborne Dentistry use root canals as a restorative treatment method to overcome an infection at the core of your tooth. Root canals are paired with other restorative treatments to save your natural tooth and alleviate the debilitating symptoms associated with an infected tooth. Root canals can be completed in a single visit and the entire restoration of your tooth can be completed in no more than two visits. When Are Root Canals Used?Root canals are necessary when your tooth's pulp has become infected. This occurs when decay has eaten away at the hard outer layers of your tooth and reached its center. Root canals may also be needed if your tooth is cracked, which can allow bacteria to infect the pulp. The pulp of your tooth contains blood vessels and nerves that supply valuable nourishment to your tooth when it is in its developmental stages. However, a fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because it receives nutrients from surrounding tissues, such as your gums. Root canals are a popular treatment option because they allow our team to save your natural teeth. This allows you to maintain a complete and healthy-looking smile. Saving your tooth is the ideal choice when possible; it is much cheaper than extracting it and installing dental implants. What Is the Procedure Like?The root canal procedure is relatively painless because our professionals administer a local anesthetic before starting the procedure. After this is complete, we will drill out any decayed material and remove the pulp at the core of your tooth. We will then fill the canal to protect the root of your tooth. The root canal procedure is not very time-consuming and is usually completed in about an hour. Of course, every patient is a little different and our team may be completing additional restorations during your procedure, which will increase the time needed. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities after the root canal and should be able to comfortably eat and drink once the anesthetic has worn off. What Happens After a Root Canal?A root canal is always used in conjunction with a crown to protect your newly repaired tooth. A crown completely encapsulates your natural tooth and can be color-matched to the adjacent teeth to blend in with your smile. Crowns can also be made of various metals. Our team will help you pick the crown material that is best for you prior to your root canal appointment. Crowns can sometimes be placed in the same visit as the root canal. In other cases, our team will fit you with a temporary crown at the time of your root canal and have you return a few weeks later for the placement of your final crown. If you think you may be a good candidate for a root canal, it is time to come see our team at Osborne Dentistry. You can schedule your appointment by calling our office at 541-451-4300. |