Avoid extraction with root canal treatment in Indianapolis, IN

When patients are faced with an infection in a natural tooth, they may be told by their Indianapolis, IN area dentist that they can choose one of two options: extraction or root canal therapy. Dr. Matthew Church of Washington Street Dentistry is a quality dentist who encourages patients to consider root canal therapy before extraction in most cases.

What is a root canal?

A root canal, or root canal therapy, is an endodontic treatment that is used to remove the infected dental pulp from inside of a tooth to relieve a patient of pain and address an infection. This treatment is performed regularly at Washington Street Dentistry and is the procedure of choice when compared to the alternative of permanent removal and replacement of a natural tooth. Root canal therapy is done under proper anesthetics and sedation for the comfort of the patient and to alleviate anxieties prior to and during the procedure.

Who is a candidate for root canal therapy?

All patients are candidates for root canal therapy. However, an examination is required to determine if this treatment can salvage an infected tooth or if extraction is the only treatment of choice.

What are the steps involved in root canal therapy?

• Comfort – patients receive local anesthetics and the dentist may include sedation for patient comfort prior to the procedure.
• Access – the dentist makes a small hole inside of the tooth to access the inner canals.
• Removal – the dental pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth.
• Disinfection – the entire area inside of the tooth is disinfected.
• Seal – the tooth is sealed with gutta percha.

Considering root canal therapy?

Many patients prefer the idea of root canal therapy as a last chance to save a tooth prior to extraction. Dr. Matthew Church and the team at Washington Street Dentistry encourage patients to discuss this procedure as an alternative. Call (317) 333-6788 to schedule an initial evaluation with our staff at 10935 East Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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