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Signs you may need root canal treatment

April 7, 2016

Swelling, pain, bad breath--these symptoms may mean you need root canal treatment. South Lincoln dentists at Williamsburg Dental perform it in just 2 visits.Root canal treatment at South Lincoln’s premiere dental practice, Williamsburg Dental, comfortably saves teeth threatened by decay, injury and infection. Our 5 experienced dentists and their dedicated team of professionals use this traditional treatment to preserve teeth for years of service.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is really one of the pulp chambers inside one of up to 4 roots anchoring a tooth. Root canal therapy, also called endodontic therapy, removes the blood supply and connective tissue inside the tooth when deep decay, injury or abscess compromise its health. An adult tooth can function for years without its pulp.

What signs indicate you need root canal therapy?

Your Lincoln dentist advises root canal treatment when:

  • a tooth is severely decayed
  • a tooth exhibits signs of infection (pain, a sore or pimple at the gumline, bad breath, bad taste in the mouth)
  • intense temperature sensitivity
  • darkened tooth color
  • swollen gums and/or jaw

Oral examination and digital x-rays confirm the diagnosis.

South Lincoln root canal treatment

Endodontic therapy is a 2-visit, in-office procedure performed with local anesthetic to numb the area. The dentist places a protective rubber dam around the tooth to keep the area dry and free of debris.

He proceeds to drill a small hole into the root canal. Using several small files of increasing size, he removes the pulp, smooths the inside of the chamber and instills antibiotic medication. The Lincoln dentist seals the chamber with gutta-percha, a natural, rubber-like paste, and places a temporary filling or cap. After a week or so of healing, the patient returns to Williamsburg Dental for placement of a permanent crown.

Expect to keep your tooth

A tooth restored by root canal therapy typically lasts for many years, preserving a smile’s appearance and function. Superior to extraction, endodontics avoid these negative effects of missing teeth:

  • lack of support to neighboring teeth, causing tooth drift
  • gum and bone recession
  • collapsed facial appearance

Also, tooth replacement with fixed bridgework or a partial denture costs more in the long run because these prosthetics must be redone in 7 to 10 years.

Not your grandma’s root canal

Modern root canal treatment by your Lincoln dentist at Williamsburg Dental is not the agonizing, long procedure most people believe it to be. Rather, it is straightforward and comfortable. Best of all, root canal therapy relieves pain, tooth sensitivity and infection, and you get to keep your natural tooth!

If you are worried about the health of a tooth, don’t wait. Contact the dedicated team at Williamsburg Dental for a one on one consultation. Root canal therapy may be the restorative dental service you need.

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