Your smile has always been your crowning glory – you’ve always been able to light up a room with your memorable pearly whites. And although no one can see it, you’ve had a sensitive tooth that’s been problematic and not quite up-to-par with the rest of your grin. But lately, the sensitivity has grown exponentially and the pain just won’t stop. You’ve adjusted your diet by eliminating sweets and foods that are both hot and cold, but nothing seems to help. You don’t want to sacrifice your beautiful smile, but you’re at your wits end with the discomfort. What options do you have? It sounds like it might be time for root canal therapy in Crete from the team at Crete Family Dentistry. Learn more about when this procedure and how it can give you the relief you deserve.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
As your trusted Crete dentist, Dr. Andre Rossini explains that root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a way to repair and essentially save a tooth that is affected by severe decay or an infection, rather than extracting it entirely. Performing a root canal is a way to prevent infections from becoming more complex and turning into oral abscesses, as well as to end the pain you feel. The process for a root canal follows the steps below:
- Diagnosing The Problem – To begin the process, Dr. Rossini will perform a thorough exam and take X-rays to properly diagnose the infection or decay that is causing your discomfort.
- Preparing You For Treatment – To keep you completely comfortable during your root canal therapy, we will numb the area thoroughly to make sure you’re pain-free while you’re in our dentist’s chair.
- Removing The Infection – Dr. Rossini will access the infected or inflamed pulp that is the true cause of your dental pain. He’ll remove the troublesome tissue and perform a pulpectomy. Then, he’ll clean the area completely to prevent the infection from reoccurring. At that point, he’ll fill in the root canal of the tooth with a biocompatible substance called gutta-percha.
- Sealing The Area – To cover the tooth that has undergone the root canal, Dr. Rossini will place a filling or a dental crown over your tooth to prevent it from developing problems in the future. Your tooth-colored filling or porcelain dental crown will be durable, life-like, and will function just like your natural dentitions. At this point, patients generally notice immediate pain relief because the root cause of their pain has been treated.
How Can I Tell If It’s Time For A Root Canal?
Although the only true way to tell that it’s time for a root canal is to see a professional like Dr. Rossini, give us a call if you notice the following issues that indicate the need for this type of treatment:
- Severe pain when eating or putting pressure on the area
- Pain and sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the area
- Darkening of the tooth
- Tenderness or swelling in the gums around the location of the pain
Since root canal therapy is actually the cure for your pain – not the cause of it like common myth suggests – give us a call if you have questions or schedule your appointment with Crete Family Dentistry today!