General Dentistry
Despite the common belief that root canal can be extremely painful, in reality the root canal procedure actually relieves the tooth pain and suffering. Root canal treatment can save the tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Here at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville we strive to change that common belief.
Root canal is an area that runs through the center of the tooth and has tissue containing nerve fibers. Root canal therapy is required when this tissue dies as a result of a deep cavity or trauma. If treatment is not rendered in a timely manner, pain will gradually worsen resulting in swelling of the face and the tooth abscess.
Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove the dead and infected tissue from the tooth. After numbing the area around the tooth so that the pain is eliminated, the Gainesville Dental Arts team in Gainesville will isolate the tooth in order to protect it from bacteria in the mouth. We will remove the dead tissue from the canals, disinfect the tooth and fill those canals with a rubber filling material called “Gutta Percha”. The tooth is then built back up with a tooth-colored material and prepared for a crown.
In the past, completing a root canal would take several, long visits to the dentist. Today, root canals can often be completed in less than two hours during a single visit, in lieu of recent advancements in technology and new dental techniques.
Root canal treatment saves the teeth therefore eliminating the need for extraction. After root canal treatment the tooth has no vital tissues within. However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root e.g. the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone. A root canal treated tooth can now function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures for a long time.
Root canal treatment procedures are quite comfortable and often painless as the tooth is anaesthetized during treatment. After treatment, there may be residual sensitivity or tenderness for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be relieved by taking mild analgesics or painkillers available over the counter at the pharmacy. However, if the pain persists and is severe, or a swelling occurs, you should contact us at Gainesville Dental Arts or call at 703-743-2324.