A Way We Can Save Your Tooth
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, we do all we can to save your natural teeth. You will only have one set of adult teeth in your lifetime. We know that anything can happen, and thankfully, we have the know-how and technology to treat any problems, but we love it when patients can keep their natural teeth. When patients experience severe decay or mouth trauma, we may suggest a root canal. Over the years, this treatment has gotten a bad reputation. Patients often fear this common treatment when they simply don’t understand the process.
What is a Root Canal?
When a patient experiences decay, such as a cavity, and it is not treated in a timely fashion, it can continue to move through the tooth until it reaches the inside of the tooth, known as the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected, it is important to remove the infection as soon as possible to prevent the need for a tooth extraction.
A root canal is the process of removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root, and finally sealing the tooth back up again. Using a laser to perform treatment, we are able to perform a root canal that is faster, more comfortable, and more thorough than before. There are many signs that might indicate the decay is too severe, and you may need a root canal:
- Severe discomfort while chewing
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Lingering teeth sensitivity to cold and hot
- Discomfort in teeth that have previous fillings or a dental crown
Please don’t postpone treatment for a tooth that is causing you discomfort. If an infected tooth is left untreated, it will not heal on its own and will cause more damage to your jaw and body over time. If you have not visited our office in Denton, MD recently, or you are feeling any tooth discomfort, please call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
