Restore your healthy, sparkling smile! FAQs about root canal therapy to ease pain, preserve teeth
By sparking and sustaining healthy relationships, Wes Park Family Dentistry maintains open communication, consistent visits, and preventative services that help minimize the risk of tooth damage.
As a result, procedures such as root canal therapy can be avoided by preventing this kind of damage. However, when restorative procedures cannot be avoided, the treatments administered by Dr. Bryce Westmoreland support your utmost comfort and the best results and experience at our office in Perry, Georgia.
How does root canal therapy treat a damaged tooth?
Root canal treatment is an alternative to the loss of a tooth with a diseased nerve. These teeth would probably have to be extracted or removed in the past. Root canal therapy removes the source of an infection or inflammation inside the tooth, including the affected nerves. It may be the only way to preserve your damaged tooth.
How did my nerve get damaged in the first place?
When a tooth is cracked or possesses a deep cavity, bacteria can infiltrate the pulp tissue, leading to an infection within the tooth. If not addressed, this can result in the formation of an abscess. Pain and swelling can also arise if the tooth remains untreated. This process can injure your jawbone and is detrimental to your overall health. Without prompt and proper treatment, the tooth may require extraction.
Save your tooth with root canal therapy
When it comes to your teeth, there’s nothing like the natural thing. No artificial replacement can match a real tooth. Root canal therapy is performed to remove an infection from a tooth pulp and save the tooth which would need to be extracted and replaced otherwise. See how we can help you in Perry, GA.
Doesn’t my tooth need the nerve?
The nerve inside of the innermost pulp tissue is vitally important to a maturing tooth. However, after the tooth has emerged or erupted through the gums, the nerve is no longer essential to health and function. In fact, its function is only sensory, providing sensations of heat or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
Are there any signs to watch for?
Yes, though your tooth may not exhibit any signs of a problem. If you do notice changes, in addition to the above swelling and pain, you may have problems chewing food. Your teeth may be very sensitive, especially in response to hot and cold temperatures. Also, if you notice your tooth is darkly discolored or your gums are tender, contact us.
Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
What will you do during my visit?
Root canal therapy involves up to three visits. In the treatment session, Dr. Westmoreland meticulously and without causing pain extracts the damaged tissue. The inside of the tooth is then sanitized and sealed. The final step involves filling the tooth with dental composite material. He might recommend installing a crown for teeth with significant decay to fortify and safeguard against fractures.
Will it hurt?
Not at Wes Park Family Dentistry! Dr. Westmoreland ensures your tooth is fully numbed and that you are comfortable before beginning the process of removing the damaged parts of the tooth. In fact, he has acquired special training to become qualified in sedation dentistry to help even the most anxious patients relax before treatment. The problems that lead to the need for root canal therapy do not go away on their own. So, if you are concerned about a tooth or are due for a check-up, call our office in Perry, GA, today at (478) 488-3561.
FAQs
Does getting a root canal hurt?
If your knowledge of dental procedures comes from pop culture, you may think that root canals are one of the most harrowing procedures. We have all listened to music or seen characters in movies squirming in pain while getting a root canal. The truth? A root canal should not hurt. We use gentle techniques and powerful anesthetics to ensure root canals are as comfortable as possible. Most patients describe the procedure as feeling similar to getting a filling, except it’s longer.
How common are root canals?
Root canals are more common than you think. The US alone performs about 15 million root canals every year. That’s an average of about 41,000 root canals per day! This means root canals are a routine procedure, considered by millions of Americans.
My tooth doesn’t hurt anymore—why does my dentist still recommend a root canal?
Pain, especially when biting into something, is usually the telltale sign of a root canal. However, it’s just one of the symptoms, and sometimes it’s usually not there. When the infection advances, the nerve may die. A dead nerve no longer registers pain, which creates an illusion of relief. However, the infection still remains and can spread to the surrounding structures. A root canal is needed to remove the infection and restore optimal oral health.
Do I always need a dental crown after a root canal?
Not always, but often. Molars and premolars usually require strengthening with crowns because they are subjected to heavy chewing forces. However, front teeth may only need a dental filling if enough healthy structure remains. Your dentist will recommend what’s best for your specific tooth.
How long does a root canal take?
The duration of your root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the type of restoration. Most root canals take 60-90 minutes, but more complex procedures may require longer treatment times. We can also complete most root canals in a single visit. However, a follow-up visit may be necessary to place a crown. We’ll let you know what to expect during your consultation.
Do root canals cause diseases?
This is yet another misconception about root canals. According to the American Association of Endodontists, there is no evidence to suggest a link between root canal treatment and systemic illnesses. This myth is based on a poorly researched study debunked about a century ago. Root canal treatment doesn’t increase the risk of cancer or other diseases.
Is extraction better than a root canal?
No! Even with advanced materials and techniques, there’s nothing quite like your natural tooth. That’s why saving your tooth is always a priority. A root canal enables you to keep your natural tooth and maintain optimal oral function. Extraction may seem simpler, but it often requires costly treatments, such as implants, bridges, or dentures.
Does insurance cover root canal treatment?
Insurance is one of the best ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Most dental insurance plans cover a part of the root canal treatment. However, coverage differs depending on your plan. Our team will review your coverage to verify the benefits. If you don’t have insurance, we’ll discuss how dental financing can make treatment more affordable.
How much does root canal treatment cost in Perry, Georgia?
The cost of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment and the type of restoration. Our team will provide a cost breakdown during your consultation. We are upfront about costs so you can move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Where can I find a root canal dentist in the Perry area?
Need a root canal? Call (478) 488-3561 and schedule your consultation with Wes Park Family Dentistry. We provide advanced root canals with exceptional outcomes.
Bryce Westmoreland, DMD
Dr. Bryce Westmoreland earned his BSA in Biological Science with Honors from the University of Georgia and completed his DMD at the Dental College of Georgia, where he also served as Chief Resident during his General Practice Residency. He specializes in implant placement surgeries and restorations and has furthered his expertise through the AAID MAXI course. He and his team are known for their friendly, gentle, and empathetic care, creating a welcoming atmosphere where patients receive the highest quality treatments.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.