Root Canals
Grand Rapids, MI
At V Dental, we understand that many of our patients worry when they know they need root canal therapy. With new dental technology, endodontic techniques, and anesthesia options, the procedure is now almost pain-free. Better yet, it relieves pain and saves damaged teeth, restoring healthy, functional smiles.
Root Canal Therapy: An Overview
Inside every one of your teeth is a space called the pulp chamber, which houses the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When the soft pulp tissue is infected or inflamed, an endodontic procedure known as root canal therapy is the only way to save the tooth.
What Are Symptoms of Tooth Pulp Damage?
Tooth pulp damage can develop due to trauma, tooth fracture, deep decay, damaged dental work, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of problems requiring root canal therapy include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, painful or sensitive gums, a bump on the gum that looks like a pimple, or signs of infection, including swelling in the area.
In some cases, root canal therapy does not produce any symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to maintain your routine dental exams and cleanings. Your trusted team at V Dental will monitor your oral health and treat any problems as they develop.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Needed Root Canal Treatment?
Unlike the rest of your body, a tooth with inflammation or infection won’t heal by itself, so if you don’t get a needed root canal treatment, you’re putting your oral and overall health at risk. The infection may continue to progress, causing intense pain and an abscess, which can destroy the bone around the tooth roots. Moreover, the infection may enter the bloodstream, causing serious health complications.
The only alternative to root canal therapy is having the affected tooth extracted. However, that should be considered the last resort because our goal is always to maintain your natural teeth.
What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
Root canal treatments are safe and highly predictable. The procedure typically requires a single appointment to complete. We’ll start by numbing the area, and then we’ll make a small opening in the affected tooth’s crown to access and remove the diseased pulp. Next, we’ll clean the area and reshape the pulp chamber, place a rubbery material called gutta-percha in the root canals, then seal the space.
After your root canal, you’ll need a dental crown to protect the tooth and maintain its strength and integrity. That involves taking impressions of the area to send to our dental laboratory that will create your restoration. We’ll place a temporary crown as you wait. During an upcoming appointment, we’ll ensure your crown provides a perfect fit and match to the surrounding teeth, and then we’ll cement it in place.
Root Canal Treatments Near Me
If you have symptoms of tooth pulp damage, contact V Dental today! Our team will evaluate your condition and determine whether you require a root canal treatment to save your tooth and restore its form and function.
We invite you to contact our Grand Rapids office at 616-364-6490 to schedule an appointment today!