A healthy smile is important for many reasons. Taking care of the teeth and gums between routine dental visits can help in reducing one’s risk of developing tooth decay or periodontal disease. Other conditions and problems may arise over time, included diseased or infected teeth. When this problem occurs, patients are often best suited for root canal therapy. Drs. Glenn LeSueur, and Charles Dodaro of Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry are pleased to provide this treatment, among other options for maintaining healthy smiles!
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy, sometimes just referred to as a “root canal,” is an endodontic procedure that is performed by a dentist to save a tooth. The tooth may become infected, diseased, or impacted by an abscess and require immediate attention to relieve the patient of a toothache. The procedure is performed with the dentist accessing the inside portions of the natural tooth where the dental pulp is located. The dental pulp is best described as a collection of tissues that include the blood supply and nerves. This is the area that keeps the tooth alive. By removing the dental pulp, the dentist can eliminate the infection and toothache while maintaining the natural tooth. The area is sealed off to keep bacteria from entering and to maintain the health of the tooth.
Is root canal therapy painful?
The procedure itself is not painful, as our dentists will properly sedate and anesthetize patients for their treatment. This treatment doesn’t cause pain, but instead relieves it by addressing the problem at the source.
Is there an alternative treatment to root canal therapy?
Unfortunately, there is not. The only other option for patients who choose not to have the procedure performed is permanent extraction of the tooth. Root canal therapy is a treatment that can salvage the tooth structure while addressing the issue that is causing patients pain and discomfort. Extraction of a tooth then requires additional assistance to replace with dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Schedule a visit with Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry
Our dentists, Drs. Glenn LeSueur, and Charles Dodaro, are here for patients in the Mesa, AZ community who are seeking solutions for their smiles. If you believe you could benefit from root canal therapy, we welcome you to book a consultation visit with our team by calling (480) 834-6991. The practice, located at 1056 South Val Vista Drive in Ste. 1, is open to new and current patients.