Tooth decay can rob you of a healthy smile, but Savannah Dental Care, in Savannah, Georgia, offers the root canal procedure, a virtually painless surgery to remove decayed tissue and protect your tooth. If oral surgery makes you anxious, the team can provide nitrous oxide sedation for your comfort. Find out more about an anxiety-free root canal by calling the office today or requesting a consultation online. There is no referral needed.
A root canal is a common dentistry service that's performed to preserve the health of your tooth by removing infected or decaying tissue from the inside of it. Recent advances in dentistry have made the root canal procedure not only highly effective at saving your teeth, but also quite comfortable.
Your tooth is comprised of a hard enamel and dentin exterior that surrounds a pulpy center. Inside the center, your blood vessels and nerves sustain your tooth, maintaining its health. Tooth decay that reaches the center of your tooth causes pain, complications, and can lead to tooth loss — unless you have a root canal.
Tooth decay may make your teeth more sensitive to cold or hot temperatures. Other signs include:
With tooth decay, you also might develop a bump on your gums near your infected tooth.
However, signs of tooth decay aren't always visible. When you visit Savannah Dental, the team examines your teeth for signs of deterioration. They may suggest an X-ray to reveal decay inside the tooth. If need be, they recommend a root canal to preserve your tooth.
Your dentist starts by numbing your tooth and the surrounding gums. They use dentistry tools to remove the decayed tissue from inside your tooth, then fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. They finish by sealing your tooth with dental cement to protect it from bacteria and applying a temporary filling or crown.
When your permanent crown or other restoration is ready, you return to Savannah Dental. Your dentist places it on your tooth to restore its full function.
Your tooth may be tender for a day or two. The team suggests ice packs or anti-inflammatory medication to relieve any discomfort. Briefly avoiding hot foods or ones requiring extensive chewing also can help minimize pain.
The team at Savannah Dental can also perform root canal retreatments, which may be necessary in cases where the root canal didn't work or where an infection later occurred.
If you suspect you have a decaying tooth, call the office today or request an appointment online with Savannah Dental Care to learn more about how a root canal can restore and protect your teeth.
Dr. Stephanie Joy Sweeney is the only platinum plus invisalign provider in Savannah, GA. Call us to book your appointment today.
