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Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of the tooth has been subjected to some type of trauma. A break in a tooth can allow bacteria to permeate the tooth’s interior impacting the nerve; or deep dental decay may be the source of the problem. And while there may be no immediate discomfort, eventually decay or infection could become a problem. Patients often experience sensitivity to hot or cold; some feel pain only when biting down on the affected tooth. What Is Root Canal Therapy? Also referred to as endodontic therapy, root canal therapy is the process where an access point allows the dentist to remove the contents of the pulp chamber. The contents of the interior of the tooth’s chambers include the nerve (which is no longer needed once the tooth has erupted), blood vessels, and tissue. The only other option is to extract the tooth. If a root canal is not performed, the bacteria can cause infection or an abscess to develop. Failure to treat can result in complications such as swelling in the face, neck, or head; or infection can travel to other parts of the body. Since pain is not the only indicator that a root canal is needed, other symptoms to watch for include sensitivity; discoloration of the affected tooth; swelling in the jaw, face, or gums; or a sore resembling a pimple that will not go away. The Root Canal Process A dental x-ray will identify the number of roots involved and their position. It is imperative that all roots are treated. The area is anesthetized, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry, and an access point is created to allow for endodontic files to clean out the root’s interiors. The roots are flushed continually to eliminate debris. Once the root canal is completed, your dentist may elect to prepare the tooth for immediate sealing of the access point or may wait a week or so to make sure any infection has been successfully resolved. The final step before sealing the opening is to fill the interior of the canals with a rubber compound called gutta percha. Depending on the tooth involved, the access point can be sealed with a composite restoration; in many cases a dental crown is the best option. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our team today.
The anxiety and fear many people experience about a visit to the dentist is very real. In recent years, more options have been made available to alleviate this apprehension making dental visits a comfortable and minimally stressful encounter. So whether it’s a fear of needles or any other phobia, a consultation with your sedation dentist will reveal how you can eliminate stress and receive needed care to help you maintain great oral health. How Does Sedation Dentistry Work? With oral sedation, the patient is prescribed medication to take at home about an hour before their scheduled dental appointment. Upon arrival at the office, additional sedatives are administered to place the patient in a deeper state of relaxation. The patient is continually monitored for their comfort and safety. While the patient remains conscious during treatment, many people report feeling like they slept remembering very little. This type of sedation is also appropriate for individuals who suffer from mental or physical disabilities which may make dental treatment difficult. Patients who are unable to recline for extended periods are able to relax. When the patient is comfortable and relaxed, the dentist is able to proceed with needed treatment which can include anything from teeth cleaning to restorative work and periodontal care. How Do I Know If Sedation Dentistry is Right For Me? Your sedation dentist has received the training needed to offer this service to you. A review of your concerns and needs will help you and your dentist reach a decision for your best options for treatment. You will need someone to transport you to and from your dental appointment as you will be unable to drive. Once treatment is completed, you may feel groggy for the remainder of the day so it is best to return home to rest. Do not plan on going back to work or school. If someone is able to stay with you for a few hours, that is advisable. You should be able to resume your normal schedule the following day with no side effects. Good dental health contributes to maintaining good overall health. If a patient requires assistance to overcome anxiety, mental, or physical limitations, sedation dentistry provides the ideal solution for the patient to receive much needed dental care. To learn more about your options for sedation dentistry, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.