If the nerves around the roots of your teeth have become damaged, our dentist may recommend root canal therapy to help heal and restore your teeth. Sandy Springs Cosmetic & General Dentistry prides itself on its excellent care and strives to make sure your smile gets the most out of every treatment. Call us today at 404-252-1216 to learn more about root canals in Atlanta, Georgia, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria Benefield.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
Commonly called a root canal, root canal treatment is a type of endodontic therapy that is often recommended if the tooth pulp and nerves become infected or damaged. This may occur if injury or decay reaches deep into the tooth, past the outer enamel layer. When left untreated, this type of infection and disease may cause the tooth to die and necessitate tooth extraction.
To restore the health of the tooth and avoid the need for extraction, our skilled dentist will remove the infected and injured tissues from within the tooth, clean the tooth, and fill it with a medicated material. We will then cap the tooth with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to return the tooth to its original shape and structure. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in only one or two comfortable visits to our office.
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being a painful treatment. In reality, however, root canal treatment can often be completed with minimal discomfort thanks to advanced techniques, tools, and anesthesia. Our dentist and entire team work hard to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable experience each time you visit our office. To learn more about root canal treatment, we welcome you to contact us today. We are committed to restoring your smile’s health.
When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed. There are a variety of reasons why this may occur. It is important that you know the common signs that you need a root canal.
Persistent Pain: Severe, throbbing, or constant tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, can indicate an infected or inflamed pulp. This pain may even keep you up at night or not respond to over-the-counter pain medications.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that linger even after removing stimuli may suggest a problem with the tooth’s pulp. This is more than the quick, sharp pain you may feel biting into ice cream. It can cause severe pain for a while after removing the hot or cold source.
Swollen Gums: Swelling or tenderness in the gums around a specific tooth, which may also have a pimple-like bump on the gums, can mean there’s an infection. This can mean that an infection has spread to the root.
Discoloration of the Tooth: If you have a tooth that has darkened or discolored, it may indicate damage to the pulp. Of course, this discoloration will only affect one or a few teeth rather than your entire smile.