Patients in Kennesaw ask their dentist to describe how and why they do root canals

By Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley

A tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years with proper care

Have you recently been told that you need a root canal? The first thing you should know is there is nothing to worry about. Contrary to rumors, root canals do not cause pain and are a common procedure that alleviates pain and can save a severely infected tooth from extraction. Advancements in dental technology and techniques have turned root canals into a straightforward procedure very similar to a standard filling. Most patients are in and of out the office in 1-2 appointments to complete the root canal. At 32 Dental, we routinely perform root canals for patients in the Kennesaw area and will examine how and why we do root canals.

Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but injury or disease can potentially threaten the life of your tooth. Many years ago, the only solution to these problems was to pull the teeth, which can cause other health problems. Luckily, today we have root canals to save natural teeth.

Why we do root canals

Inside of the tooth is soft pulp tissue that contains all the nerves and blood vessels. When this area becomes infected or inflamed we must provide treatment to alleviate pain and eliminate the infection. The most common reasons the pulp becomes infected are due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or a traumatic injury. Any of these events allow bacteria to become trapped inside the pulp chamber.

If we don’t remove the pulp, the infection in the soft tissue can continue to spread as pain and swelling worsen. Without root canal therapy, the tooth will require extraction, which can be bad for oral health. When a tooth is removed, adjacent teeth may shift out of place, which can cause issues with biting, and chewing. Additionally, the tooth root is responsible for stimulating the jawbone to maintain its structure. In the absence of a tooth root, the jawbone may begin to deteriorate, which can lead to a sunken appearance.

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How we do root canals

Root canals can take one or more dental visits. During your initial consultation we’ll be able to determine how many visits are necessary to save your tooth. The following list is the basic steps of a root canal procedure.

The mouth is prepped for treatment. This includes numbing the tooth and the gum tissue around it for comfort and placing a thin rubber sheet over the tooth to keep it dry.
The pulp is removed. Once we access the pulp chamber through the top of the tooth we will eliminate the diseased tissue and shape the canals, so they can be filled. We may also use medication in the tooth to thoroughly eliminate the bacteria.
The root canals are filled. First, we use a material called gutta percha to fill the area and then we will place a filling in the tooth. Some patients may receive their permanent filling in the same appointment, while others may receive a temporary filling and return on a later date to finish the procedure.
A crown is placed to protect the teeth. Teeth that have had root canal therapy tend to be brittle, and prone to breakage. We place a crown over the tooth to strengthen it and improve the appearance after treatment.

At 32 Dental in Kennesaw, understand that no one wants to hear they need a root canal,

After the procedure

Following a root canal procedure, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to take x-rays of the tooth to make sure the infection is gone.

A tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years with proper care. It’s important to maintain twice yearly dental visits so that we can monitor the mouth for early signs of decay and perform a professional cleaning. When decay is caught early, it is much easier to treat and restore health quickly.

At 32 Dental in Kennesaw, we understand that no one wants to hear they need a root canal, however we promise that the treatment is safe, effective, and can restore your oral health quickly. To find out more, please call us today at (770) 423-1132

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About Dr. Sean Breckley

A graduate from the Temple University School of Dentistry and Susquehanna University, Dr. Sean Breckley is an established professional in the field of dentistry. He is a firm believer of contributing to the community and ensuring his patients receive the best possible dental care. Whilst maintaining his professionalism, Dr. Breckley takes time to get to know his patients and make sure they are comfortable and at ease to avoid any unnecessary dental anxiety and stress. He is presently a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Northwest District Dental Society, and a graduate of the Mercer Mastery Program.

About Dr. Lan Vo

A graduate from the University of California-Irvine and Temple University School of Dentistry, Dr. Lan Vo is a highly skilled and resourceful dentist in the field of professional dentistry. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Northwest District Dental Society, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a graduate of the Mercer Mastery Program whilst maintaining a certification with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Dr. Vo is very people-oriented and is a favorite amongst children and commands a great deal of trust amongst anyone who has had the fortune of being treated by her.