Dr. Duane Marshall may recommend a root canal to save your teeth and restore your oral health. This treatment is often the only alternative to a tooth extraction, allowing you to retain your natural teeth and avoid the need to replace them.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, often just referred to as a root canal, is a dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that is severely infected or decayed. When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp becomes damaged due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth, an infection can develop. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become inflamed and infected, which might lead to more severe pain or a dental abscess. Root canal therapy is designed to remove the infected tissue, alleviate pain and ultimately preserve the tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure
Our dentist will begin your procedure by numbing the area around the infected tooth to ensure your comfort. A small protective sheet called a dental dam is then used to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the treatment. Our dentist will then drill an access hole into the tooth to remove the infected and damaged pulp tissue using specially designed instruments. The resulting space is then cleaned, shaped and decontaminated. The hollowed-out area is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed with adhesive cement to prevent further infection. In most cases, the procedure concludes with the placement of a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect it and restore its function. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatments are typically painless thanks to advancements in techniques and anesthesia.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Choosing root canal treatment offers several benefits. First, it allows you to keep your natural tooth, which helps maintain your natural smile and avoid the need for more extensive dental work like dental bridges or dental implants. Keeping your original tooth can also prevent other teeth from drifting out of line and causing jaw problems. Root canal therapy is highly effective, with a success rate of over 95%. It not only relieves the pain associated with an infected tooth but also improves the overall health of your mouth. After a root canal, most teeth can last as long as natural teeth, provided they are cared for properly with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups.
Schedule A Consultation
For more details about root canal therapy in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, or to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist, please reach out to Mountain View Dentistry at 505-867-1442. We are committed to helping you regain your dental health and enjoy a life free from tooth pain and discomfort.
505-867-1442