Root Canal Therapy: Pain Relief for Infected Teeth

Root canal therapy, often dreaded due to its reputation for pain, is actually a procedure designed to alleviate pain and save teeth afflicted with infection or decay. While the mere mention of a root canal may evoke fear in many, understanding the purpose, process and benefits of this treatment can help alleviate anxiety and promote dental health. The following is how Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates uses root canal therapy as a vital tool for pain relief and dental preservation.

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure aimed at removing infected or damaged tissue from the inner chambers of a tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and when it becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause severe pain, swelling and abscess formation.

The Root Canal Process

The first step in root canal therapy is a thorough examination and diagnostic testing to identify the source of the infection and assess the extent of damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. Once the exam is completed, the root canal procedure can begin, which includes:

• Anesthesia: Before beginning the procedure, our dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, ensuring the patient’s comfort throughout the treatment.
• Access and Cleaning: Once the tooth is numb, our dentist will create an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, the dentist will remove the infected tissue and clean the inner chambers of the tooth to eliminate bacteria and debris.
• Canal Shaping and Disinfection: Our dentist will then shape and disinfect the root canals to ensure thorough removal of bacteria and prevent reinfection. This may involve irrigation with antimicrobial solutions and the use of flexible instruments to clean and shape the narrow canals.
• Filling and Sealing: After the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped, our dentist will fill them with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha, to seal off the canals and prevent bacteria from re-entering. The access opening in the crown of the tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.

In most cases, the tooth may require additional restoration, such as a dental crown, to strengthen and protect it from further damage. Our dentist will discuss the appropriate restoration options based on the individual needs of the patient.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is highly effective in relieving the severe pain associated with infected teeth. By removing the infected tissue and eliminating bacteria from the root canals, the procedure alleviates discomfort and promotes healing. Other benefits include:

• Preservation of Natural Teeth: Unlike extraction, which involves removing the entire tooth, root canal therapy allows the natural tooth to be saved. This helps maintain proper chewing function, prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, and preserve the overall structure of the jawbone.
• Prevention of Further Complications: Left untreated, infected teeth can lead to serious complications such as abscess formation, bone loss and systemic infection. Root canal therapy helps prevent these complications by eliminating the source of infection and restoring the health of the tooth.
• Improved Oral Health: By removing infected tissue and restoring the tooth’s structure, root canal therapy helps improve overall oral health and prevent the need for more extensive dental procedures in the future.

Root canal therapy is a valuable tool for pain relief and dental preservation, offering numerous benefits for patients suffering from infected teeth. If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need root canal therapy, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates to discuss your treatment options and get the relief you need. Call our dental center in Marietta, GA, to book your appointment.