Root canal therapy explained by Indianapolis, IN area dentist
A t Washington Street Dentistry, our team works with patients to help them address concerns with their smiles and give them opportunities to improve their oral health and wellness. If patients are experiencing an infection, injury, or other problem that affects the dental pulp, they may require root canal therapy. This procedure is performed by Dr. Matthew Church and his team in Indianapolis, IN as an alternative to removing a tooth.
Root canal therapy explained
Dr. Matthew Church of Washington Street Dentistry describes root canal therapy as a procedure that is performed as an alternative to tooth extraction. When the dental pulp inside of the tooth is infected, inflamed, diseased, or damaged, it can result in extreme pain and discomfort for an individual. There are two ways to address this issue: root canal therapy or extraction. Extraction of a tooth requires patients to consider tooth replacement options such as dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges. Fortunately, patients can often undergo root canal therapy to remove the dental pulp, disinfect the inner portion of the tooth, and then fill it and seal it so the structure remains. This is the ideal situation in many cases.
Root canal therapy is the procedure in which the dental pulp is removed from inside the tooth. This is done with a small hole that the dentist creates so he can reach inside with special instruments to remove the dental pulp and disinfect the area. Once this is done and all the bacteria inside of the tooth is removed, gutta percha is placed into the area and the tooth is sealed with composite resin and often a dental crown. The tooth itself will be “dead” because the pulp is removed, which is where the blood supply and nerves once were. However, patients do not have to replace an extracted tooth, which can save time and money.
Who is a candidate for root canal therapy?
Patients who have a problem with their natural tooth may need to have root canal therapy performed if they want to save the tooth structure. Common reasons why patients may need root canal therapy include:
- Infection
- Disease
- Inflammation
- Injury
- Large cavities
Patients who qualify for root canal therapy will be advised to consider it during their evaluation and consultation appointment with Dr. Matthew Church. Patients also have the option to have the tooth removed, however, root canal therapy is often less invasive and is cost-effective.
What to expect following root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthetic and sedation. Patients find that the procedure is done quickly and easily by someone who has years of experience in providing this service. Endodontic therapy ends with the tooth being sealed with composite resin to keep bacteria from entering the tooth structure. Dr. Matthew Church may determine some patients can benefit from the placement of a dental crown over the tooth. This is because the structure can become weak and brittle due to the removal of the dental pulp. The dental crown offers an extra layer of protection for the tooth to keep it from breaking. Patients find that the pain and discomfort that brought them in for their procedure is gone following the initial healing period. Root canal therapy is a procedure that should be requested, not ignored as a “painful treatment.”
Interested in discussing the possibility of root canal therapy with our professionals?
Call Dr. Matthew Church and his team at Washington Street Dentistry today to book a consultation visit to determine if you could benefit from root canal therapy. Our professionals believe in providing options to our patients whenever possible, and endodontic treatments can be a wonderful way for patients to address a concern without having to permanently extract a natural tooth. Call the practice at (317) 333-6788 and visit the office at 10935 East Washington Street for a consultation visit with our staff. We welcome new patients in the Indianapolis, Indiana area.
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