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Lafayette Root Canal Therapy

Tooth Pain Relief With Root Canal Therapy

An infection in the pulp of one of your teeth can be painful. If left untreated, you may find yourself in need of an extraction, and the infection itself can spread well beyond your smile. Thankfully root canal therapy can help save the tooth if the infection is caught in time.

Root canal therapy involves the removal of microorganisms from the tooth’s root canal. The contaminated pulp is extracted, and then cleaned and disinfected. With this treatment, a healthy tooth can last a lifetime with the right aftercare. 

If you believe you may need a root canal, or you have any questions about a root canal, contact our office. 

Root Canals

Why Would You Need A Root Canal?

Root canals are needed when infection or injury penetrates the tooth to the inner part where the pulp and nerves are located. Cavities, periodontal infection, or injuries that reach this inner chamber of the tooth result in pain, which is one of the first symptoms that indicate that a root canal may be needed. Some symptoms that you may need a root canal may include:

  • Persistent pain
  • Tooth discoloration
  • A tooth that is chipped or cracked
  • Swollen gums near the tooth that hurts
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
  • Pain when eating

 

If you have any of these symptoms, it is probably best that you get them checked out by a dentist. If left untreated, the tooth may become more infected, risking not only your tooth but also some life threatening infections.

What's The Root Canal Process?

Root canal infections are very painful and can be a sign of a deeper issue. Root canal therapy is centered around removing the infected pulp in the chamber of the tooth and then filling it with a safe material. The infected pulp has to be removed because if left in the chamber, the bacterial infection could spread into the bloodstream and cause problems for your overall health. While a root canal infection is a serious matter, this procedure is very common and is something we often perform in the office.

If you are worried about what your root canal might look like, here are a few things you can expect on the day of your procedure:

  • Anesthesia: The gums will be numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the duration of the procedure.
  • Tooth preparation: A small opening will be made in the tooth to reach the infected area. We must be able to access the pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth.
  • Pulp removal: The tooth pulp, nerves, and infected tissues will be removed from inside the tooth.
  • Cleaning the tooth: The pulp chamber and root canals will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, ensuring all infection is removed.
  • Filling the tooth: Once clean, the inside of the root canals will be filled with a flexible dental material.
  • Sealing the tooth: Once root canal therapy is complete, the tooth will be sealed. While some patients may only require a dental filling, most will require a dental crown to help protect the weakened tooth. 

Schedule An Appointment

To schedule an appointment or consultation please fill the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you are welcome to give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions