McDonough, GA dentist describes the root canal treatment process

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When a patient has an abscess, trauma, or large cavity that reaches the dental pulp inside of the tooth, it can cause a wide range of problems—including extreme pain! Patients with a toothache who visit their dentist may be referred to McDonough Endodontic Center to undergo a treatment called root canal therapy. This procedure can save a tooth from extraction, making it the best treatment option for patients in McDonough, GA who are dealing with an infection.

What is the root canal process?

The process of root canal therapy starts with a diagnosis. Patients are evaluated to determine if they need root canal therapy, and then the procedure is booked with an endodontist. Drs. Rolin Desir, Alison St. Paul and Candace DeVeaux of McDonough Endodontic Center perform the procedure by first sedating and anesthetizing the patient for comfort. A hole is made on the crown of the tooth to access the inner canals and remove the dental pulp. The canals are cleaned thoroughly and disinfected before a material called gutta percha is placed to seal the canals and the tooth. A dental crown is often fabricated and bonded on top of the tooth to act as an extra layer of protection.

Will I have pain after root canal therapy?

Most of the pain from this procedure comes from the infection itself, resulting in a toothache that causes patients to schedule an evaluation with their dentist. After the procedure, patients might experience some slight discomfort, but this is best addressed with over-the-counter pain medications and do not require stronger prescription alternatives. Patients often free themselves of pain after the root canal therapy has been performed. Patients have the chance to maintain their natural tooth and eliminate the cost and trouble of finding a replacement option after extraction.

Interested in learning more about the root canal process?

Contact the team at McDonough Endodontic Center of McDonough, GA to discuss the advantages of undergoing the root canal process. Our team, including Drs. Rolin Desir, Alison St. Paul and Candace DeVeaux, are here to help, including service to patients in the areas of Locust Grove, Hampton, and Stockbridge, GA. Call (770) 954-8672 today!

FAQs

When the inner tooth chamber gets infected, the impacted pulp must be removed. Decay that has spread throughout the tooth, a crack or chip, or multiple procedures on a tooth can result in infection and inflammation in the middle of the tooth. If left untreated, it can cause intense pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss: Thus, root canal therapy is needed.

It’s no more painful or uncomfortable than a normal filling. The infection causes more pain than the treatment, and therapy helps relieve this pain. The local area will also be numbed during the procedure, so you won’t feel any pain while the work is done.

When the numbing wears off, you won’t feel the intense pain you felt before the treatment as the infected pulp and nerves have been removed. Some people might feel slight discomfort and tenderness in the area for a few days while the tissues heal. Eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain medication could help.

An infected tooth needs immediate treatment as it can lead to many other complications. Conyers Endodontic Center recommends root canal therapy over extraction, as we believe that nothing can beat natural teeth. A root canal allows you to keep your teeth, which might otherwise need extraction. It’s also cheaper than replacing extracted teeth with costly restorations.

Since the inner section of the tooth is removed during the procedure, it can weaken the overall tooth structure. But restorations like crowns and onlays can strengthen it. The correct treatment with your endodontist can ensure that you get the best result.