Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment in Prairieville, LA
Root Canals
Many people hear about this treatment and automatically become fearful. Root canals definitely get a bad rap. However, there are misconceptions about this treatment and the benefits of treatment. It is a procedure that can be done painlessly and typically in one visit.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth becomes damaged irreversibly. This damage is due to decay that has reached the nerve, chemical or mechanical injury that has been repeated, or trauma. At this point, the nerve is infected with bacteria and toxins. The bacteria and toxins travel down the root. The only way to treat the tooth at this point is with root canal treatment or taking the tooth out. An extraction, or taking the tooth out, is necessary if there is not sufficient tooth left. However, if there is sufficient tooth remaining, root canal treatment is the recommended treatment. If left untreated, the infection produces a painful abscess that is often combined with swelling. Swelling can cause serious complications and become life-threatening.
Root Canal Treatment Process
The nerve is located in the innermost layer of the tooth, which is called the pulp. The tooth is first numbed so you can be treated comfortably. Once anesthesia is achieved, a small hole is made from the top of the tooth to gain access to the nerve. All decay is also removed at this time. Small instruments are used to eliminate the infected nerve tissue, bacteria, and toxins. The root canal space is then shaped and disinfected. Next, the space is filled with a sterile material and the canal is sealed. This helps prevent new bacteria from reentering the root canal space. A temporary or permanent restoration is placed where the decay is removed on the top of the tooth, and where any decay had been removed. Additionally, one important side note is that the tooth typically requires a crown, or cap as the final step. The crown reestablishes structure and provides extra strength where decay had weakened the tooth.
At Prestige Dentistry, we understand that this treatment can seem intimidating. Rest assured that Dr. and her staff make sure to keep you comfortable from start to finish. Similar to other procedures done at our office in Prairieville, once your tooth is numbed, you should not feel anything.