There are many misconceptions regarding root canal therapy that make many patients apprehensive about receiving treatment for their dental discomfort. This important procedure has a negative outlook cast upon it, as many believe it causes pain. The opposite is typically true. Patients that experience a constant toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold food often gain the most benefit from root canal therapy. This procedure is proven to relieve tenderness and set the stage for restored bite function.
Why is Treatment Necessary?
Root canal treatment is recommended to save a tooth before extraction becomes the only viable option. When decay penetrates the enamel of a tooth and causes infection, it threatens both function and surrounding dental structures. The damage sustained cannot be reversed, which means the affected tooth’s nerves and vital internal tissue will eventually die. From here, the bacteria may also spread to the jaws and gums. It is during the initial invasion of bacteria that a patient experiences soreness, swelling, and sensitivity.
Once you notice signs indicating you have infected dental pulp, seek out professional treatment from Dr. Carothers as soon as possible to have the natural health of your smile restored.
What Does the Process for Root Canal Therapy Entail?
To begin with, the process for root canal therapy is similar to receiving a filling for a cavity. Depending on case severity and your personal preferences, the area may be numbed to ensure you do not feel discomfort at any point during your procedure. Dr. Carothers then clears out the tooth’s interior, removing the compromised tissue along with the pulp, leaving the site sterilized. Following this procedure, he uses a biocompatible filling material called gutta-percha to seal the treatment area and protect the tooth from future infection.
The final step in root canal therapy is restorative care. A crown fabricated to your specific dental needs and aesthetic desires is placed over the treated tooth, restoring both structure and proper bite function. The prosthetics provided to you by our office are made from tooth-colored, durable materials that leave you with a beautiful, strong smile.
Dr. Carothers makes it his priority not only to treat the oral health concern but ensure his patients’ comfort throughout. He won’t begin treatment until he’s sure that he can provide you with as pain-free of an experience as possible. In addition, our dental team explains each step along the way to give you peace of mind regarding your procedure.
Visit Dr. Carothers for a Comfortable Patient Experience
In our time serving the dental needs of Portland, Gresham, and our neighbors throughout Multnomah County, we understand there can be some apprehension regarding root canal therapy. If you have been avoiding the treatment you need due to concerns about the care you’ll receive, give us a call today. Dr. Carothers and everyone here takes a gentle, compassionate approach, making each visit a positive one.