Root Canal Therapy
At Ramsey Family Dentistry, we understand that there may be more enjoyable ways to spend your day than getting a root canal. However, this procedure is largely believed to be more scary and painful than it actually is. Modern dental knowledge and technology allows dentists like Dr. Kevin Ramsey to perform this routine procedure completely pain-free.
Often, pain is a likely indicator that a root canal is necessary. Undergoing a root canal will end your toothache and ensure the future health of your tooth. You can trust Dr. Ramsey to perform the treatment with a practiced and gentle hand.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
The surface of the tooth is made from hard dental enamel, underneath which is another hard layer called dentin. In the center of the tooth is a soft pulp containing connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. This pulp can become inflamed or infected. Inflammation or infection can be a result of problems such as:
- Trauma to the tooth
- Cracks or chips in the tooth
- A poorly placed crown
- Deep tooth decay
If inflammation or infection of the pulp is not properly treated with root canal therapy, it can cause large amounts of pain and possibly lead to the development of an abscess.
Root canal therapy is used to treat many different conditions, so signs that you need a root canal may vary. Symptoms may include a throbbing sensation, lingering pain, and swelling of the gums that in some cases extends to the face and neck. In some cases, you may feel no pain at all. This is often an indication that the nerve of the tooth has died. Only a dentist can determine whether or not you need a root canal.
What Is a Root Canal?
During a root canal, Dr. Ramsey completely removes the afflicted pulp from the tooth. This is possible because adult teeth are able to exist without the pulp and receive nourishment only from the tissues surrounding the teeth. Once the pulp is removed, he then thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth before filling and sealing the cavity. A crown may be used to fully restore the tooth, resulting in a tooth that has been returned to health and maintains a natural appearance.
We will work with your schedule to determine if this procedure would be better performed over the course of two sessions or only one. Afterward, the restored tooth will look and function exactly like the rest of your healthy, natural teeth. A tooth restored with root canal therapy has the potential to last for the rest of your life.
The knowledge that you need a root canal should not inspire fear! At Ramsey Family Dentistry, your comfort is of the utmost importance to us. Give us a call today at (480) 207-6001 for more information.