Root canal therapy as a treatment for patients in Kennesaw, GA with tooth pain

By Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley

At 32 Dental, patients in the Kennesaw, GA area, and beyond, can seek quality dental care for their smiles. When patients are experiencing pain in a tooth, they are looking for effective treatments. In many cases, when the dental pulp inside of the tooth has been affected, the best possible treatment is root canal therapy.

Understanding root canal therapy

Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal therapy can help patients achieve a smile free from pain and discomfort. Sometimes, untreated cavities may result in deep holes that can reach the dental pulp, a mass of tissues located inside of the tooth. These tissues include the nerves and blood supply for the tooth. When the pulp is affected, it can become extremely painful, resulting in a toothache that does not respond to traditional over-the-counter pain medications. These medications are just a way to manage the discomfort, however, and do not fix the problem. We encourage patients to come into our practice to undergo root canal therapy.

The procedure is done to save the natural tooth. It starts with local anesthetics and, if necessary, sedation. Once the patient is comfortable, the dentist will create a small hole in the tooth, which allows access to the inner portions of the structure. The dentist removes the dental pulp and disinfects the area. Then, gutta percha is used to fill the area, and composite resin is used over the top to seal it. In some cases, a patient may benefit from a dental crown, which can be bonded over the tooth to offer an extra layer of protection. The entire process is done to save the tooth and keep the patient from requiring removal and replacement of their natural tooth.

For what reasons might a patient have root canal therapy performed?

There are many situations that can arise, outside of a toothache, that may indicate the need for endodontic treatments. Some common reasons include:

An abscess
Injury to the tooth and its structure
Deep cavities
Infection to the dental pulp
Diseased pulp

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What other options are available?

When patients are at a point that they require root canal therapy, they don’t have many other options left to consider. In fact, the only alternative treatment to root canal therapy is removal of the tooth. This can have a negative impact on the smile and can result in the need for replacements such as dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants. Instead, many patients can save the tooth with endodontic treatment and avoid removal and replacement.

Is the procedure painful?

Image of a Dentist cleaning a Root Canal

Many patients hear of root canal therapy and think of it as a painful procedure. However, this is not the case! Root canals eliminate pain that patients are experiencing, not add to it. Patients who have procedures such as these performed will often enjoy the benefits of anesthetics and sedation, so they are completely comfortable and pain-free throughout the process. There may be some residual discomfort that occurs after the procedure, but this is best addressed with over-the-counter pain medication. We encourage patients to ask their dentist any questions they may have about the treatment so that they understand the entire process. We want patients to be relaxed and at ease in our care, and we can help them by educating them on what to expect throughout this procedure or any other dental treatment performed at 32 Dental. Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley provide comprehensive care that is painless and effective.

Learn more about root canal therapy

Treatment for tooth pain should be done as soon as possible to avoid extreme discomfort and further damage to the natural tooth. We encourage patients in and around the community of Kennesaw, Georgia to book a consultation appointment with Drs. Lan Vo or Sean Breckley to determine the best treatment options for their smiles. They have two conveniently located offices in Kennesaw, GA and can be contacted at (770) 423-1132 to schedule a visit.

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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.