Save Infected Teeth and
Relieve Pain
with Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, may be recommended when the nerve tissue within the tooth is compromised. This procedure is often used for saving a severely damaged tooth which may otherwise have to be extracted. The treatment is completed in one to two visits to Dr. Maples, the Loveland dentist at West Lake Dental. While root canals have the reputation of being painful or something to dread, improvements in anesthesia as well as improved techniques have made today’s root canals a more comfortable and effective treatment option.
When is a Root Canal Recommended?
Root canal treatment may be recommended for a number of reasons including:
- An aching, painful tooth, or a tooth that has abscessed
- A broken tooth that involves the nerve space
- After trauma to a tooth that causes the tooth to discolor
- When a crack reaches the innermost layer of the tooth
- When a tooth undergoes internal resorption
How is a Root Canal Performed?
Once it's determined that a root canal is your treatment of choice, Dr. Maples and his team will create a treatment plan for restoring your tooth back to its original health. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia or sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. The root canal is then carried out in a series of steps:
- An access is made within the tooth to reach the nerve space.
- The infected nerve tissue is removed and the canals are measured and then re-shaped.
- A biocompatible material known as gutta percha is used to fill the newly shaped clean canals.
- The access is restored with filling material and a temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the final crown is ready.
Caring for a Tooth after Root Canal Therapy
If two appointments are necessary to complete the root canal, take special care of your temporary crown or filling between visits. Avoid eating hard, tacky, or crunchy foods but continue to brush the area thoroughly.
Some discomfort can be expected after this treatment. Your symptoms may include swelling, tenderness to the touch, and the temporary crown may be shorter in height than your adjacent teeth. We provide you with instructions on how to care for your recently treated tooth as well as any dietary restrictions or medications we recommend you take.
Contact Dr. Maples Today
If you have any further questions regarding endodontic therapy or an upcoming root canal, please do not hesitate to contact our Loveland dental office. Dr. Andy Maples provides exceptional restorative care at West Lake Dental.
