A root canal is a dental treatment performed to remove infected tissue and bacteria from inside your tooth. Our dentist may recommend a root canal if you have severe tooth decay or an infection in your tooth, as this procedure can help restore the tooth to a healthy condition.
At Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, the procedure involves cleaning out the tooth's pulp, shaping the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it and covering it with a crown for protection. Once your tooth is healthy, you must maintain regular cleanings and examinations with our dentist to avoid needing this treatment in the future.
This procedure isn’t painful, but patients report experiencing a mild to moderate amount of discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. Our dentist may prescribe medication to help manage any pain you may experience. Once you have recovered, you won’t experience pain or sensitivity in the treated tooth again.
Reasons for Getting a Root Canal
If the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, the infection can make its way into the roots of the teeth and cause an abscess that can spread to other parts of the body if it isn’t treated when it first develops. An untreated abscess can be extremely painful, and if left untreated for an extended period, it can be life-threatening.
When the nerve of a tooth is damaged, it can cause significant pain when the tooth is exposed to extreme temperatures or when you bite down. The nerve can also be damaged while undergoing treatment for other oral health problems, such as tooth decay or a dental injury. A root canal will eliminate any discomfort you might feel.
An untreated root canal infection can eventually lead to tooth loss, and this can lead to bone loss in your jaw over time. When the root of a tooth is lost, and there’s no replacement in place, there can be less stimulation for bone cells to regenerate and heal the bone beneath the missing root. This can lead to many complications that can affect the health of your smile and quality of life. A root canal can prevent these problems from occurring.
The Advantages of Root Canal Treatment
Pain Relief
When the root of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can lead to intense pain. Getting the infected tissue removed with a root canal helps relieve that discomfort.
Save the Tooth
In some cases, teeth cannot be saved after a cavity has become severe enough, but a root canal will at least preserve the tooth for as long as possible.
Restore your Smile
After your procedure, your tooth will be as good as new, your smile will be restored, and you won’t have to worry about any pain or discomfort anymore.
The purpose of a root canal is to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted due to decay or infection. Visit Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, at 2610 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, or call (504) 482-9919 for the best dental care.