ROOT CANAL TREATMENT BY LAKE LANIER SMILES, BUFORD, GA DENTIST

Root Canal Treatment

When a patient hears the term “root canal” pertaining to them causes more anxiety than any other dental procedure.

I still picture the cartoon character with the rag tied around his head.  However, it makes me chuckle because it is so inaccurate. Generally the procedure is virtually painless. However due to the infection or inflammation it may be more difficult for the patient to be anesthetized.

There have been so many advances in Dentistry that most patients experience no discomfort during or complications after the procedure.  They are relieved to be out of pain and are questioning why they had all the fear and anxiety.  Root canal treatment is a routine procedure and is performed with skill and expertise by our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Root canal treatment is a procedure performed in your dentist’s office. Your dentist performs this procedure to remove damaged or dead pulp.

Pulp is a soft chamber that encases the nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels. The pulp chamber is inside of the root canal. The entire root canal and pulp chamber are cleaned out by your dentist using either an instrument called a reamer or an electrical rotary instrument.  Both instruments are very effective in reshaping the canal.

Our Buford dentist office, Lake Lanier Smiles is equipped with the rotary machines to do efficient Root Canal Treatments.

The next step is to fill the canal with gutta per-cha, a rubber-like material. This step prevents contamination or infection from reoccurring.

The last step is sealing the canal.  Your dentist at Lake Lanier Smiles will melt the ends of the gutta per-cha, permanently sealing the root canal.

Root canal therapy may sometimes require two or three additional visits to complete depending on the amount of infection. Usually a topical medication and a temporary filling will be applied.  If your dentist recommends it, an antibiotic will be prescribed for 10 days.  This will give your body time to heal the infection. 

If after root canal therapy, a dental crown is not placed to protect the remaining tooth structure, there is a high chance of tooth fracture.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Of course, you can have a surgical extraction if the tooth has been severely decayed or cracked.

This is usually the case when the tooth requires root canal therapy.  If a permanent adult tooth has to be extracted, your dentist will recommended a bridge or Implant or Partial Denture to replace the missing tooth.

The bridge should be done quickly after the socket heals.  Tooth loss causes the surrounding teeth to shift and move. This will affect the integrity of your bite and ability to properly chew.  Jaw pain or TMJ can also develop due to an improper bite.  The tooth above or below the extracted tooth will drop down or erupt into the voided space.  This cannot be corrected and will cause additional extractions.

WILL I BE IN PAIN AFTER THE ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

You may experience some discomfort due to the tissue being inflamed or from having your mouth open for a long period.  But these conditions are easily treated by using an over the counter pain reliever. 

Some patients may require something a little stronger. Depending on their tolerance level and the extent of area their abscess has affected.

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE ROOT CANAL TOOTH?

It is very important to maintain your normal daily hygiene routine.  Brushing and flossing twice a day, even around the completed root canal therapy.  Reducing plague and bacteria is important in the healing process.  You should avoid hard foods or candy around the area.

WHAT KIND OF COMPLICATIONS CAN I EXPECT?

Rarely will a patient have complications due to the root canal therapy.

There a rare instances that there is a crack in the root of the tooth that was not detected. This can result in the infection reoccurring. Another unusual complication is the seal leaks or the crown is ill fitting and has to be remade.  Another complication is a hidden canal.  Most teeth have one, two or three canals but it is possible to have a fourth canal in molars.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS A PATIENT WILL REQUIRE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT.

1.  A fractured tooth, where the fracture is close to the pulp or nerve.

2.  Deep decay that has penetrated the root canal.

3.  A tooth that has had trauma or an injury that has killed the nerve.

4.  An open margin on a crown that has caused leakage and decay under the crown.

 

FUNNY CAPTION

If you have any questions about Root Canal Treatment or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.