Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Tooth
If a dental decay or trauma goes untreated, the inside of a tooth can become infected. Without a corrective procedure to remove the damaged tissue, the tooth may be lost. We perform root canal therapy at our Milwaukee, WI, office to save our patients' teeth.
Our practice is committed to helping patients preserve the natural structures of their smiles whenever possible. This procedure removes areas of decay and infected tissue, preserving the healthy outer structure of the tooth. Finally, we restore the tooth with a dental crown that will provide support and protection. Although many patients experience pain as a result of tooth infections, they do not always present symptoms, so it is important to have regular checkups at our office. If you would like to learn more about root canal therapy, please contact our office to make an appointment.
The Root Canal Procedure
Though a root canal was a painful procedure in the past, modern root canal therapy involves no more discomfort than having a filling placed. After numbing the tooth, our doctors will remove the decay and clean out the infected pulp at the center of the tooth. Next, your dentist will fill the tooth with a rubber-like material. The doctor will take impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth, which we will send to our partnering laboratory to guide fabrication of your dental crown. On your next and final visit, the dentist will place the permanent crown, which will provide support and restore a natural appearance.
Common Symptoms of Root Canal Infections
Some tooth infections will not present any noticeable symptoms, but you should see your dentist immediately if you experience:
- Toothache - Although this could be a symptom of many dental health issues, it is often the first sign of infection.
- Gum inflammation - Red, swollen gums around a tooth can indicate the need for root canal therapy.
- Tooth sensitivity - If your teeth become sensitive to temperature changes, it may be a symptom of a root canal infection.
- Discoloration - When the dental pulp inside a tooth dies, it can often cause the tooth to appear a dark gray color.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
If a patient is in pain because of an infected tooth, the most immediate benefit of root canal therapy is the relief of this discomfort. Perhaps more importantly, this procedure eliminates the need for extraction. If infection is left untreated and allowed to spread, it can cause the affected tooth to "die" or become badly damaged. In these cases, the only remaining option may be extraction. Root canal therapy can stop the spread of the infection so patients can retain full dental functionality following treatment.
Contact Our Practice
If you are experiencing any symptoms of tooth infection, believe that you may need root canal therapy, or would like to learn more about your treatment options, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We are committed to your dental health, comfort and satisfaction, and would be happy to help you achieve the relief and restored oral health you deserve. We look forward to speaking with you.
