Root canal therapy to save an infected tooth
Dr. Yvonne Caton-Hospedales of Your Smile Dental Wellness Center is a qualified dental professional dedicated to helping McDonough, Georgia, area patients with a wide selection of dental treatments that may be required to address problems. One common procedure is endodontic treatment, which is essentially root canal surgery to keep a tooth from requiring permanent extraction.
What is endodontic treatment?
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Endodontic treatment, or “root canal surgery,” is a surgical dental procedure used to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or infected. The goal of this dental surgery is to extract the diseased pulp from the tooth and prevent further infection.
Root canal treatment can be performed on teeth that have been cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. It can also address teeth that have become infected due to decay or disease. In some cases, endodontic surgery may be needed to save a tooth that has been knocked out.
What can I expect during the process of root canal therapy?
The first step in endodontic surgery is to remove the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth. This is achieved by making an opening in the tooth and then cleaning out the diseased tissue. Once the dental pulp is removed, the repaired tooth is sealed to reduce the risk of further infection.
Endodontic surgery is generally a relatively simple and straightforward procedure. However, having the surgery performed by a qualified and experienced dentist such as Dr. Caton-Hospedales of Your Smile Dental Wellness Center is important. This will help to ensure that the tooth is properly cleaned and sealed and that the infection does not return.
What are the risks associated with root canal therapy treatment?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with endodontic surgery. These risks include:
- Infection. As with any surgery, there is always a small risk of infection after endodontic surgery. This risk can be minimized by having a qualified and experienced provider perform the procedure.
- Bleeding. There is a small risk of bleeding after the procedure. This risk can be minimized by following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or endodontist.
- Swelling. Some swelling and bruising are common after endodontic surgery. This usually subsides within a few days.
- Pain. Some people experience some discomfort after the procedure. This is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How do I learn more about this procedure?
Call Your Smile Dental Wellness Center at (770) 727-3378 to request a consultation visit with our provider, Dr. Yvonne Caton-Hospedales. She serves patients in and around the areas of Locust Grove, Fayetteville, and Jonesboro at her office, located at 854 Hampton Road in McDonough, GA.
