Teeth are comprised of three layers. At the very core of the tooth is the pulp, it is surrounded by
dentin, and tooth enamel comprises the outermost layer. If the tooth’s pulp becomes infected
or damaged, root canal therapy may be the only way Dr. Kanorwalla can save the tooth.
When patients are told they need root canal therapy to save their tooth, the initial response can be fear. Patients have a lot of misconceptions about this treatment. One of the most common myths is that it is a painful procedure. In truth, the procedure will relieve the pain. Time after time, patients are shocked when the procedure is completed and they felt no pain. They often compare it to having a tooth filled.
Another common myth is that a root canal treatment is only a temporary fix; the patient is going to end up losing the tooth eventually. This could not be farther from the truth; Vanguard Dental will only perform root canal therapy on teeth that can be saved. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp (which is the cause of the pain) and replacing it with a temporary filling material until the restoration is finished with a dental crown. When the procedure is completed, you are left with a healthy tooth without any sign of infection. If the tooth were to be extracted, it would need to be replaced with either a bridge or a dental implant. When a gap is left unfilled, it can result in the other teeth shifting, and that can be the beginning of serious dental problems such as a misaligned bite, gum disease, and the possibility of lost teeth.
Root canal therapy begins with a local anesthetic to ensure complete comfort. Once the tooth and gums are numb, Dr. Kanorwalla will make a small access opening in the tooth. She will remove the pulp, clean and disinfect the area, and seal and fill the tooth. Once the tooth has had time to settle, there is a follow-up appointment so the tooth can be prepared for a dental crown. The doctor will then take impressions and send them to the dental lab that will fabricate the final restoration. In the interim, she will place a temporary crown. The final appointment involves removing the temporary crown and replacing it with the permanent restoration. With proper care, patients can count on enjoying a healthy smile for many years to come.
Root canal therapy is nothing to fear, if you have been suffering with toothaches, call Vanguard Dental today at 413 543 2555. The office is located at 1730 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01129.
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