Root Canal Therapy – The Superhero Of Dental Treatments
At Vargas Dental Associates, we do everything we can to save your natural teeth. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, we may recommend a dental crown to save your tooth, and when your tooth root is severely damaged or infected we may recommend a root canal. Many patients are fearful of this treatment before learning about the benefits of the procedure. Movies and TV shows often depict root canals to be something they are not. We are here to ease your mind and tell you more about the root canal treatment and how it can save your tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
When decay is left untreated on a tooth too long, it can move to the pulp, or the inner part of the tooth, and cause an infection. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root, and seals it. Thanks to the improvements in technology, a root canal can be compared to a filling. Although the process is longer and more involved, there should be no discomfort during the procedure. If a root canal is not performed when needed, the next step would be a complete tooth extraction.
Signs Indicating a Problem
If it has been some time since your last hygiene examination or you have postponed a recommended treatment, it is important to know the warning signs to keep in mind. If you experience any of these symptoms we recommend calling our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment:
- Persistent sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods
- Swollen and tender gums
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discomfort in teeth that have fillings
- Severe discomfort when chewing
Please don’t postpone treatment for a tooth that is causing you discomfort. If an infected tooth is left untreated, it will not heal on its own and will cause more damage to your jaw and body over time. If you have not visited our office located in Bowie, MD recently or are feeling tooth discomfort, please call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!