Root Canals in Oklahoma City
It is very important to know that contrary to what most people think and say root canals are not painful, they relieve pain! People freak out whenever we mention root canals, but it's not like the old days... You will be completely pain free and will not feel anything throughout your root canal treatment.
The reason most people find out they need a root canal is because they are experiencing pain in their tooth. A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures – millions are performed each year – and can help patients stay away from more costly and invasive dental work down the road.
Why Would I need A Root Canal?
When the center of a tooth (pulp) becomes infected, you will need a root canal. To start, let’s talk about the pulp. The pulp is a soft inner tissue that includes groups of blood vessels and nerves that serve as the tooth’s foundation. If the pulp gets infected, either through decay, trauma or other means, root canal therapy may be necessary.
Outside of trauma and faulty crowns, the best way to avoid needing a root canal is making sure you take care of your teeth every day and make your regularly scheduled visits to see Dr. Grace. Cavities that are left untreated for too long can cause the pulp to be damaged.
What is root canal therapy?
In the vast majority of cases, non-surgical treatment can be effective in treating an infection of the pulp. In that procedure, the infected areas are removed from the tooth and the root canal system (the inside of the tooth) is completely cleaned. The canals are then filled with a rubber-like material and sealed. A dental crown is then affixed to the tooth to ensure it retains its strength, shape, and function. Patients do receive local anesthesia for their comfort during this procedure, and any pain should subside within a few days of the treatment.
If you or your teeth are not good candidates for the standard treatment, Dr. Grace may recommend you visit a local Oklahoma City endodontist for further consultation or a surgical procedure.
When to get a Root Canal
With any infection of the pulp, root canal therapy is going to be necessary. Here are the signs you may have an infection:
► Visible swelling of the tooth
► Heightened sensitivity to temperature
► Pain in a tooth or gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, call today to schedule your consultation. Leaving an infected tooth untreated has serious health risks. The infection can spread all the way to the jaw bone, causing deterioration and illness.