At Complete Dental Care of Avon, we examine the affected tooth using radiographs to assess the overall condition of the tooth. The process is generally done under local anesthesia, however, you may opt for conscious sedation with nitrous oxide if need be. Once the area is numb, access is gained to the infected tissues by making a small a hole at the top of the tooth. The inside of the tooth is cleaned out and the space is disinfected and filled with an inert material and sealed. The access is then closed with a tooth-colored material and the tooth is capped to provide it with additional strength and protection.

When do you need a root canal?

You will need a root canal in case of one or more of the following situations:

– you experience throbbing pain in your tooth especially when you lie down.
– your tooth is extremely sensitive to hot and cold such that it has compromised your diet.
– there has been trauma to your tooth and it has fractured and exposed the pulp tissue.
– your tooth has a very deep cavity which has almost reached the pulp tissue.
– there is a swelling or pus drainage around your tooth.
– your tooth has an abscess at the root apex which is visible radiographically.

How long does it take for the procedure to complete?

Most often, a root canal can be completed in a single sitting. If the infection is excessive it may take 2 visits and a course of antibiotics to allow for adequate drainage.

What should you expect after a root canal treatment?

Once the effect of anesthesia wears off, you may have no pain at all or just a slight discomfort/sensitivity which is temporary and last only for a few days. Our dentists  will prescribe medications as necessary.

When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth. Do not get a tooth pulled because you think it is easier or more cost-effective. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affect your ability to properly chew and ruin your smile. At Complete Dental Care of Avon, we use advanced technologies, procedures and materials, giving you many treatment options to save your natural teeth.

If you are looking for a consult regarding a dental root canal give us a call at 317-271-3079 today!