When patients hear the words “root canal,” they immediately think of a dental procedure that is painful and should be avoided at all costs. However, this isn’t the case! Root canal treatment pain is a myth! In fact, root canal therapy is a procedure used by a dentist to relieve patients of pain, not create it! At Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry, patients in and around Mesa, AZ have access to treatment and can speak to their doctors about the benefits of root canal therapy.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy, is a specialized procedure used by a dentist to maintain a natural tooth that is infected, diseased, or damaged. Inside of a tooth rests a mass of tissues called the dental pulp. The dental pulp includes the tooth’s blood supply and nerves. It is what keeps the tooth alive. When the dental pulp is infected or damaged, it can result in a severe toothache. This is when root canal therapy becomes important. Root canal therapy is the removal of this dental pulp from the tooth to deaden it while eliminating the need for extraction. The dental pulp is removed with unique instruments through a hole in the tooth, and the canals are then sealed with gutta percha and composite resin bonding. Depending on where the tooth is located in the mouth, the dentist may also place a dental crown over the top to protect the tooth from damage.
What alternatives are available for root canal therapy?
Unfortunately, root canal therapy is the only treatment that can save a tooth. The only alternative treatment if patients do not move forward with root canal therapy is extraction of the natural tooth. Dentists often want to avoid extracting adult teeth, as this can increase the cost of treatment and can also impact the health and function of the smile. Patients will then need to work with a dentist to determine the best tooth replacement option, which may include partial dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants. By performing root canal therapy, patients can avoid replacement and instead maintain their natural tooth.
Ready for root canal therapy?
Connect with Drs. Charles Dodaro, and Glenn LeSueur of Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry to schedule your oral surgery. Call (480) 834-6991 and visit the practice in Mesa, AZ at 1056 South Val Vista Drive, Ste. 1.