Root canal treatment is also called endodontic treatment, and it is necessary when you have an infection inside your tooth. If you have an infection, antibodies and white blood cells travel to the affected area to fight the infection, causing the affected tissues to swell. If this happens inside your tooth, there is nowhere for that swollen tissue to go, so the tissue dies. This necrotic tissue then becomes an “abscess,” a source of chronic infection affecting the tooth and surrounding bone tissue.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
In root canal or endodontic treatment, Dr. Perry removes the source of the infection and thoroughly cleans the inside of the tooth to remove all dead and decaying tissue. He then completely fills the tooth with a sealant to prevent re-infection.
Sometimes a white filling can be placed, if the decay is not too extensive. In other cases, Dr. Perry will use a dental crown or porcelain inlay or onlay to protect the remaining tooth structure.
Most patients only need minimal medication to remain comfortable both during and after this procedure. If a patient experiences discomfort after a root canal procedure, it is most often treated with simple Ibuprofen, which also reduces swelling.
The key to a successful root canal treatment is communication. If you are nervous or frightened about this procedure, please talk to our staff as honestly as you can about your fear, so they can work with you to make sure you are as calm and comfortable as possible. We have sedation dentistry available for those who desire it, which means that you probably won’t remember the appointment.
After the procedure, if you experience any pain that seems unusual or alarming, never hesitate to call our office. We don’t want you to worry unnecessarily, or to suffer needlessly. Talk to us – we’re here to help.