A root canal is a treatment of the infected, diseased or damaged dental pulp inside a tooth. It is performed under local anesthesia and has a high success rate.
Although root canal dentist bristol va used to be associated with pain, modern anesthetics make the procedure much more comfortable than in the past. The result is a healthy tooth that can last as long as any natural tooth.
Saves Millions of Natural Teeth
Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures, and it saves millions of natural teeth every year. This simple procedure is necessary when the dental pulp at the center of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks and chips or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection may spread and cause pain in the jaw bone or surrounding gums.
The treatment itself is performed while the tooth is numb. A rubber dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva during the procedure. A hole is then drilled into the tooth, and the infected tooth nerve tissue, bacteria and decay are removed with special dental instruments. The area is then cleaned and filled with a sealant compound, and the access opening is closed.
A crown or other restoration is then placed to restore the tooth for proper function and appearance. A root canal dentist bristol va is very effective, and complications are rare when done by a trained endodontist or dentist.
Prevents Extraction
Root canal therapy prevents tooth extraction by treating the infected or dead pulp of a tooth. The procedure can be performed in one to two visits and usually only takes a few hours. It is typically pain-free and requires local anesthesia to complete the treatment. Once the infected pulp is removed, the tooth heals naturally over time, alleviating pain and preventing infections.
Root Canal treatments are a semi-invasive procedure with an 86-98% success rate. During this non-surgical procedure, the infected nerve tissue, bacteria, and decay are removed from the inside of the tooth and replaced with medicated dental materials. Afterward, the tooth is sealed with a filling or, if necessary, a crown to restore functionality and appearance.
Occasionally, the root canal dentist bristol va system may not heal properly and the infection persists. In this case, your endodontist may recommend surgery to treat the underlying infection. If this is the case, Powell Valley Dental will be ready to help with your restorative needs.
Minimizes Risk of Complications
Although root canal treatment can be a lengthy and complicated procedure, it is a safe and effective option for patients with dental pain. This procedure helps to relieve pain, stop infection, and prevents cracks and fractures in the tooth. It also minimizes the risk of developing a dental abscess.
The procedure begins with X-rays to identify the affected tooth and locate canals. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area before drilling into the tooth to remove the infected tissue and clean the inside. The canals are then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a filling and restored in a later session.
Complications that can arise from root canal therapy include pain, swelling, or reinfection of the tooth. It is possible to get a reaction to the antibiotics used during treatment, and the tooth may become weaker after the procedure. However, these risks are minimal with a qualified endodontist and adherence to post-treatment instructions.
Minimizes Pain
The root canal dentist bristol va is one of the most common dental procedures performed — well over 14 million are done every year. It is a non-surgical treatment that saves teeth with injured pulp from extraction, and avoids the need for bridges or dental implants.
The pulp of a tooth contains the nerves and blood vessels that build the structure of the tooth. This delicate area is typically protected, but can become infected from tooth decay, cracks and chips, severe injury or other problems. The resulting pain is sharp and throbbing, and if left untreated, can lead to infection of the surrounding tissues.
Root canal therapy is the cornerstone of endodontics, a field of dentistry that deals with the roots, nerves and tissues inside a tooth. The first step involves numbing the area around the tooth with local anesthetic, then creating an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp and remove the diseased tissue. The area is then thoroughly sanitized and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha.