We know, you are not too thrilled to find out you need root canal treatment to save your tooth. However, we think if you knew more about this restorative solution, you may feel a bit more optimistic about having the option to rescue your tooth rather than facing a potential tooth extraction. For most patients, root canals sound displeasing because they have heard negative stories from friends or they just don’t know what to expect. We would like to clear up any misconceptions, so you feel confident about improving your oral health. Learn more with the following:
How We Rescue Your Tooth
We have suggested a root canal treatment because your tooth is infected. This is more severe than a cavity that requires a dental filling. With infections, bacteria have made it into the body of your tooth and down into your root canals – the lowermost portions of your tooth – that house important life-source tissue like blood vessels. Lining your root canals is dental pulp. Once infected, your body cannot clear the problem. By removing the pulp with a root canal, we remove the infection and your tooth may continue to live. By neglecting the infection, you may suffer complications including an abscess, the spread of infection to nearby uninfected teeth and tissues, and even tooth death.
What to Expect
You may assume a root canal treatment is a complicated, uncomfortable treatment but that assumption is wrong. First, rest assured that we will initially numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. We may also offer sedation so you can feel calm and tranquil during treatment. Treatment will then include the following:
- We will create a small opening in your tooth through which we will remove infected dental pulp
- We will clean the opening and your tooth and then seal the root with a material called gutta percha
- We will fill the opening and then cover your tooth with a beautiful dental crown
ABOUT YOUR FUQUAY VARINA DENTIST:
For over 15 years, Dr. Michele Collier and the talented professionals at Waterstone Family Dentistry have provided comfortable, compassionate dental care to patients of all ages from Fuquay Varina, NC, as well as Holly Springs, Angier, Willow Springs, Raleigh, and all surrounding communities. If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Collier by calling (919) 557-5250 today.
