Root Canal Treatment Farmington Hills
Root canal treatment is needed to relieve the excruciating toothache caused by an infected or abscessed tooth. This procedure is the last resort for saving a tooth damaged by decay, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth's root.
Root Canal Treatment Relieves Tooth Pain
Most of us have heard the stories and jokes about root canals but the truth is root canal treatment doesn't cause pain—it relieves it. The reason the procedure is associated with pain is that, most often, the patient is already in severe pain when they arrive for treatment. Once our dentist numbs the tooth with a strong anesthetic, you won't feel any pain at all.
Dr. Nick Barone our caring dental team are pleased to offer gentle root canal treatment at our Farmington Hills, MI, dental office. If you are in pain, call us and we will get you on our schedule promptly to provide relief.
The Importance of Root Canal Treatment
Your tooth is composed of three layers: the hard outer layer called enamel, the softer layer beneath it called dentin, and an area of living tissue at the center of the tooth called the pulp. chamber.
Pulp contains the blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep the tooth alive. Once this area becomes infected, the delicate structure begins to break down, leading to inflammation and pain. Once the infection reaches the inside of the tooth, prompt treatment is crucial. The only alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction, which we want to avoid if at all possible.
What Happens during Root Canal Treatment?
The purpose of root canal treatment or therapy is to allow our dentist to remove the infected or inflamed pulp and preserve the tooth's structure. If we don't get rid of the infection quickly, it can spread to other parts of the body and even become life-threatening.
The first step is to access the inside of the tooth to remove the infected pulp. Next, Dr. Nick disinfects the tooth and fills the hollowed-out chamber with a rubber-like material to help prevent reinfection. The final step is to seal the tooth and protect it with a temporary tooth filling.
As a precautionary measure, we may prescribe antibiotics to fight any remaining infection.
Understanding the Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
One reason people fear root canal therapy is because they are usually in severe pain by the time they realize they have an infection. We want to help you avoid getting to the point of serious pain, so here are a few signs that may mean you need a root canal:
An unbearable toothache - Gum tenderness or swelling
- A raised bump on the gum
- A discolored or dark tooth
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tenderness and pain when touching the tooth
- An awful taste in your mouth
Schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment with Us
We provide this information to help you understand a bit more about what root canal treatment involves and why prompt treatment is crucial. You can rest assured that Dr. Nick and our caring dental team will do everything possible to make your treatment comfortable and stress-free.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect you have a root infection, please call our Farmington Hills, MI dentist office as soon as possible. We are also pleased to serve patients in West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Novi, and surrounding communities.
