Root Canal Therapy
Our dentists can perform a root canal procedure if the root of your tooth has become severely infected. This will alleviate the pain you might be feeling and restore your oral health! We invite you to call Duluth Dental Group today at 770-476-3332 to learn more about root canal therapy in Duluth, Georgia, and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ken Cheng and Dr. Chan Chan.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure designed to save a tooth that has become severely infected or damaged at the pulp level. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma, root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the interior of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need root canal therapy:
- Severe, persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening or discoloration of the affected tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums
- A recurring pimple or abscess on the gums near the tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
The Root Canal Process
Root canal therapy is typically completed in one or two visits. Here is what you can expect:
- Diagnosis: Dr. Ken Cheng or Dr. Chan Chan will take X-rays and examine the tooth to confirm the need for treatment.
- Anesthesia: The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Pulp removal: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth, and the infected pulp is carefully removed.
- Cleaning and shaping: The interior of the tooth and root canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and shaped.
- Filling and sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection.
- Restoration: A dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and appearance.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Modern root canal therapy is much more comfortable than many patients expect. With local anesthesia and advanced techniques, most patients report that the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Any discomfort after the procedure is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Do not let tooth pain go untreated. Contact Duluth Dental Group today at 770-476-3332 to schedule your root canal consultation in Duluth, Georgia.