If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling in your gums, it may be time to consider root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that treats damaged or infected teeth and is usually recommended when a tooth has become so damaged or infected that it can’t be saved with other dental treatments. At our dental office in Flowood, MS, we can help save your tooth with root canal therapy.
Call (601) 939- 1874 to schedule your root canal therapy appointment with our dentists in Flowood today!
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat an infection or damage deep within the tooth’s pulp, which is the innermost layer containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to various reasons, such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
Dr. Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly perform root canal therapy under local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. It’s a highly successful treatment that can save your tooth from extraction and alleviate your pain and discomfort.
The first step in root canal therapy is to assess and diagnose the need for it. This usually involves a dental examination, X-rays, and possibly other diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the infection or damage to your tooth’s pulp.
Before the procedure begins, Drs. Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.
A rubber dam is then placed around your tooth to isolate it and keep it dry during the procedure. This prevents contamination from saliva and other fluids in your mouth. Once the tooth is isolated, an opening in the crown (top) of the tooth will be created to access the pulp chamber and root canals. This is usually done using a dental drill.
Special instruments will then be used to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The inside of your tooth is then cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling.
After the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals off the canals to prevent bacteria from re-entering and causing further infection. The crown of your teeth will then be sealed to provide additional strength and protection.
After undergoing root canal therapy, our Flowood dentists may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to manage any discomfort or prevent infection. Take these medications as directed.
You can also manage any pain by applying ice packs to the outside of your face in the affected area and taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, but be gentle around the treated tooth to avoid irritation. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Be sure to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments at our Flowood, MS, dental office. These appointments are important for monitoring the healing process and ensuring that your tooth is fully restored.
Root canal therapy offers several benefits, including:
Root canal therapy is a great option if you want to save your tooth and relieve pain. At our Flowood dental office, we’ll help determine if root canal therapy is the best option for you. Call our dentists at (601) 939- 1874 to get started.
Reasons to consider root canal therapy may include:
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort or soreness after the procedure is normal but can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
On average, root canal therapy can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of root canals involved.
A dental crown is recommended after root canal therapy in many cases to restore the strength and appearance of the tooth. The crown helps protect the tooth from further damage and ensures long-term durability.
The cost of root canal therapy can vary depending on factors such as the location of the tooth, the complexity of the case, and whether additional procedures such as crown placement are needed. Some dental insurance plans may cover all or part of the cost of root canal therapy.
You should be able to drive yourself home after root canal therapy since the procedure is typically performed under local anesthetic. However, if you feel dizzy or lightheaded after the appointment, it’s best to arrange for someone else to drive you.
If you’re looking to alleviate pain and save your tooth, Drs. Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly are happy to offer root canal therapy at our Flowood, MS, dental office to help meet your needs.
Contact Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly in Flowood, at (601) 939- 1874 and schedule your appointment today!
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