Root Canal Therapy
Root canals have long been one of the most feared procedures in dentistry.
Today, dentistry has evolved to the point where root canal therapy is no longer the complicated procedure it once was. It’s time to look past the bad reputation of the root canal and see it for the valuable, pain-relieving solution it is.
Root Canal Therapy
The root canal is the area of the tooth that houses the pulp and the nerve. Sometimes this part of the tooth can become infected.
When this happens, not only is the tooth extremely painful and sensitive, the infection can also spread to other areas of the mouth and other teeth. The most effective way to treat the infection is root canal therapy.
Once the anesthetic takes hold, and you are completely numb, we will create a small hole in your tooth. Working through the hole, we drain the infected material along with the pulp and any other debris. We thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth, and we may place an antibiotic medication inside the tooth to prevent further infection.
Your tooth will then be filled and a cap or crown will be placed. This is necessary because the structure of the tooth will be weakened, and a dental restoration will protect the tooth from breakage and also allow you to chew comfortably.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have an infection and could require treatment.
- Severe pain in one or more teeth
- Pain that is aggravated by chewing or other pressure
- Pain and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening of one or more teeth
- A raised bump on the gums
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek
Call our office to make an appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to get rid of your pain and reduce your stress.
Dr. Thor is just as patient and kind
As someone who had a horrendous experience elsewhere it left me terrified of the dentist for over a decade. When I first started going to Token Creek Dental I would have severe anxiety and literally shake. They are amazing and were so patient with me. They never made me feel scared or belittled my fears. Shyla went above and beyond when I first started there, talking me through what she was doing and always checking to make sure I was doing OK. Dr. Thor is just as patient and kind. I no longer fear the dentist and actually enjoy my visits. I highly recommend this great team.
- Tara B.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fractured tooth is a tooth at risk. You may not even know a tooth is cracked or fractured, or you may feel pain or sensitivity when biting down or exposing the tooth to hot or cold temperatures. An endodontist specialist can diagnose and treat fractures in a tooth and damage to its inner pulp.
Treating fractured teeth is critical. With continuous pressure from chewing, the interior tissues of a tooth may be unable to heal, leading to irritation and even infection. These inner tissues, or pulp, include a tooth’s interior nerves, tissues, and blood vessels.
An endodontist specialist will treat a tooth fracture depending on its location and severity. A dental crown can usually protect teeth with small fractures above the gum line, and you can see your dentist for this type of restoration.
However, if the tooth has a crack below the gum line, you may need a root canal to treat the damaged pulp. Endodontists specialize in root canal treatment, preventing the fracture from spreading or even causing tooth loss. A dental crown completes the restoration.
If the tooth is severely damaged, an endodontist specialist may recommend endodontic surgery to save part of the tooth or an extraction. If the tooth needs extraction, your endodontist can discuss options for replacing the tooth, such as a dental implant.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Alex Thor
Dentist
My passion in dentistry is to help patients live healthier and fuller lives by meeting their dental needs, whether it is relieving dental pain, fixing a cracked tooth, straightening crowded teeth, or just maintaining their smiles.
I enjoy working with people every day from all walks of life. Each person brings in their own unique life story; they have pets and children; they may be mothers or fathers; they have jobs and hobbies; they may be experiencing happiness or sadness. Sometimes, as dentists, we're so focused on what's going on in and ...