At our comprehensive Alpharetta-area practice, we have experienced in-house specialists who can perform effective root canal therapy to relieve pain caused by inflammation or infection inside a damaged tooth. A root canal procedure heals the pulp chamber of the tooth, an area comprised of soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels that is located under the tooth’s enamel and is connected to the root.

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Often, signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums. Without a root canal procedure, the inflammation or infection can cause further pain or even lead to a more serious dental issue, such as an abscess.

At our Alpharetta-area dentist office, root canal therapy can often be performed in as little as one or two visits. If you think you may be in need of a root canal procedure, call our office today at (770) 777-1911 or schedule an appointment with a root canal specialist online. We are located in Milton, GA and serve families in the surrounding areas.

Alpharetta-Area Patients: Receive a Painless Root Canal Procedure

Many patients at our Alpharetta-area practice who are in need of a root canal procedure may feel anxious about their upcoming treatment, no matter how much we reassure them that their procedure will be quick and comfortable. To help relieve their anxiety, we want them to feel well-informed and knowledgeable about what will occur before, during and after their treatment – to learn more about how root canal therapy works, read on below.

Who performs a root canal procedure?

While all dentists receive the education necessary to perform root canal therapy, most of these procedures are performed by highly-trained endodontists. To become a root canal specialist, an endodontist must complete dental school, as well as an additional two years of advanced training in endodontics, a dental specialty that involves the inside of the tooth.

How does root canal therapy work?

The endodontist first examines and performs X-rays on the tooth, and then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, he will place a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth, allowing it to stay clean and free of saliva during the root canal procedure.

The endodontist then makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Using very small instruments, he will clean out the infected or inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and shape the space for filling.

He will then fill the pulp chamber and root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like substance called “gutta-percha.” The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, the endodontist will close the space with a temporary filling, which will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is completely restored.

After the final visit with your endodontist, you will return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth for full protection, restoration and functionality.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are completely comfortable during root canal therapy. However, for the first few days after your root canal procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. If you do experience severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, please call our office at (770) 777-1911.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?

Immediately after root canal therapy, you should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. During this time, the tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should schedule the full restoration as soon as possible.

Most teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure last as long as natural teeth. In a few cases, a treated tooth may fail to heal, or the patient’s pain may continue. Often when this happens, another visit to a root canal specialist can save the tooth.

At our Alpharetta-area practice, we offer numerous, high-quality restorative dentistry procedures that can help you smile brighter again. If you think you may be in need of effective root canal therapy, call our team today at (770) 777-1911 or schedule a dentist appointment online. Located in Milton, GA, our office also provides comprehensive general dentistry, orthodontics and more.

We look forward to getting to know you and your family!

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