Root canals have a bad reputation, but modern advancements have made root canal therapy a highly successful and comfortable endodontic procedure that can restore your oral health. Ready to schedule? Call your dentist in Bethlehem today!
What is a root canal?
Toothaches can be more than just a painful distraction; they may signal a serious infection inside your tooth. Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure designed to alleviate pain, restore the health of the tooth, and help you avoid the need for an extraction. Using modern techniques, root canals in Bethlehem are now more comfortable than ever, ensuring a stress-free experience that allows you to get back to your daily life without discomfort.
Digital Imaging
Advanced digital imaging techniques have taken the guesswork out of root canal therapy, resulting in a quicker, more efficient procedure with less pain and discomfort than ever before.
DID YOU KNOW?
A root canal can save your natural tooth to preserve your oral health.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Relieve Tooth Pain
An infected tooth can be unbearably painful, but a root canal can alleviate that pain instantly, so you can get back to living life with a smile.
Stop The Spread Of Infection
If left unaddressed, a tooth infection can spread not only to other parts of the mouth, but the rest of the body as well.
Save Your Tooth
By eliminating the infection, endodontic treatment, like root canal therapy, can save your tooth and prevent the need for a tooth extraction and other more complex procedures.
Sedation Dentistry
For your comfort and peace of mind, we offer a variety of dental sedation options to ensure your root canal procedure is a pain-free experience.
Emergency Exam Includes:
Get Out Of Pain Today
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer affordable emergency dental exams, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need to relieve your dental pain.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Diagnostics & Preparation
Your Bethlehem dentist will begin by conducting a thorough examination of your tooth and your x-rays to identify the cause of your dental discomfort. If your tooth is infected, they will assess the severity of the infection to determine if a root canal is a suitable treatment option.In the event that a root canal is necessary, your dentist will first ensure that the treatment area is completely numb, including the nerves. Before beginning the procedure, your dentist will discuss various sedation options with you.
Removing Decay & Infected Tooth Pulp
After you are completely numbed and comfortable, your dentist will begin the procedure of extracting decayed or infected material, starting from the outermost layer of enamel and progressing towards the inner pulp. Following the removal of infected tooth pulp, the root canals will be thoroughly cleaned and the area will be flushed with a specialized disinfectant to eradicate any residual infection.
Filling & Sealing
Upon completion of the cleaning and disinfection process of your tooth, your dentist will proceed to fill the inner cavity with a rubbery substance known as "gutta-percha". This inert material serves to provide support to the tooth and replaces the extracted pulp. Afterwards, your dentist will determine whether to restore the tooth with a filling or dental crown based on the extent of decay and the amount of remaining healthy enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a root canal?
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Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that is typically required when a tooth becomes infected, which can occur through two primary pathways:
- Extensive tooth decay can erode the outer layers of enamel and dentin, eventually exposing the pulp. The pulp is responsible for maintaining the vitality of the tooth, and when it is exposed, it is vulnerable to bacterial infection.
- Dental trauma, such as a cracked or chipped tooth, can also expose the nerve and blood vessels in the pulp, leading to infection.
In either case, a root canal treatment can provide a solution to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications, such as infection, decay, and the eventual death of the tooth. Symptoms of infection can include a toothache, swollen and puffy gums, and tooth sensitivity.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
No! A root canal actually relieves the pain caused by an infection. Modern dental techniques and technologies have made root canal therapy a comfortable and stress-free experience.
In addition to local anesthetic that numbs your mouth completely, you can also discuss sedation options with your dentist to further enhance your comfort during the procedure.
Can root canal treatment fail? What happens if it does?
While the majority of root canal treatments are successful, it is possible for the procedure to fail. Failure is caused by any remaining bacteria that may have been left behind during the initial treatment, resulting in the return of the infection. If this does happen, you will need to receive a retreatment to eliminate any remaining bacteria and ensure the infection doesn’t have the chance to return.
Do I always need a dental crown after a root canal?
It’s true that a crown is most often the best method of protecting your tooth after root canal therapy, however, they may not always be necessary. In cases where there is enough healthy enamel remaining on treated anterior (front) teeth, a filling may be sufficient to complete the procedure.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Root canal therapy is generally at least partially covered by most dental insurance plans. However, every plan is different. If you’re curious about your coverage, it’s best to get in touch with your provider to get an accurate understanding of your plan’s benefits for endodontic treatment.
Have more questions?
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