Root Canals in Denham Springs, LA
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with specially medicated dental materials which restore the tooth to its full function. Many patients are misunderstood when it comes to root canals. A root canal is a fairly simple process in order to save a tooth rather than the alternative, which is an extraction. Root canals have a 95% success rate. In rare occasions a tooth can re-abscess (become infected again) and a retreat will have to be done in order to save the tooth and clear infection.
Signs and Symptoms for Root Canal Therapy
An abscess on the gums
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Severe toothache pain
Swelling and/or tenderness
Sometimes no symptoms are present
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
Decay has reached the tooth pulp (living tissue inside the tooth)
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
Injury or trauma to the tooth
How We Do It.
After being numbed with dental anesthesia, an access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening. One at a time, we remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. All teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent from breaking and restore it to its full function. After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. In a rare case when a retreat is needed, the same steps are used. An access hole is made through the crown and the materials inside of the canal are removed and the canal is cleaned out thoroughly with the same medicines. Once the root canal is complete, the access hole is filled up with a filling material called composite that matches the shade of the crown.
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