Root canal therapy isn’t scary!
Ease pain and protect your smile with this common procedure
Don’t write off a damaged tooth! With our modern, well-tolerated, and highly precise approaches to root canal treatment, Abingdon Smiles can save even some of the most badly decayed or traumatized teeth.
What types of damage can be successfully treated?
Root canal therapy at our Abingdon, Virginia office is typically recommended for patients with damage to the soft internal tissue of their teeth. This tissue is known as the pulp. It is housed within the root canals that extend downward from the gumline into the jawbone. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be in your future.
How does this inflammation/infection arise in the first place?
We mentioned decay and trauma earlier. If decay goes untreated, it can work its way through the tooth to these innermost tissues. Repeated procedures on the same tooth can also leave it vulnerable to deep, internal damage. Cracks and chips may also allow harmful bacteria to enter this chamber of the tooth. A tooth can sustain pulp damage due to injuries, even with no visible cracks or flaws.
How do you know if RCT is right for me?
It’s not enough for you to tell us all of the “typical” signs of such severe trauma to the tooth, as we may still be able to ease an intense toothache with a dental crown or another restorative treatment. The only way we know for sure the best path forward is to take a close look at the affected tooth. We may use dental X-rays to see what is not visible with our eyes alone. Rest assured, you will be provided with options that are in the best interests of your sustained oral health and well-being.
Will RCT hurt?
Think of root canal treatment as a different type of “cleaning.” Instead of cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, Dr. Matthew Knudsen will clean the innermost tooth structure. The idea is to ease pain by removing the source of that discomfort – the nerves inside the pulp chamber. Dr. Knudsen also removes the other sources of inflammation and infection, the connective tissues and blood vessels. Once these tissues are no longer present, he sterilizes and seals off the root canals. All of this is done to a tooth that is fully numbed. You won’t feel anything other than relief from aching teeth, as the nerves responsible for pain are no longer there!
How should I take care of my tooth afterward?
First, a temporary dental crown is typically placed to protect the tooth as it heals. Once a permanent crown is made, you must return to Abingdon Smiles to have that restoration placed. This is an important step in the healing process because crowns are usually needed to restore the strength of the tooth. Otherwise, we generally advise eating on the other side of your mouth for a few days or until the area is no longer sore. With effective treatment, you can care for your tooth like any other, and you should not need further treatment. If you are concerned about a tooth, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team in Abingdon, VA, can be reached at (276) 628-7862 today.
