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Root Canal

There’s nothing quite like the pain of a major toothache and a major toothache is a big indicator that you might need a root canal. Fortunately, this is actually a great treatment option because it prevents your tooth from being pulled. When it comes down to what is better for your dental health, at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we will always suggest a root canal over an extraction. We believe in providing treatments that prevent serious dental problems as well as treatments that provide you with a healthy smile. Learn more about how root canals can relieve you of toothache pain and help you preserve your natural tooth.

What’s a Root Canal?

You first might be wondering what exactly a root canal is. Most people associate root canals with pain so there is a negative stigma surrounding them. While the toothache you experience before a root canal is quite painful, we can assure you that your procedure will not be painful. Overall, a root canal is a procedure designed to clean out damaged or infected tooth pulp. Without a root canal, the tooth will die and eventually fall out or need to be extracted. The infection in your tooth can also spread throughout your body, causing serious health conditions like heart problems.  There are a number of reasons that you might need a root canal in Alpharetta which we will go over below.

Why Might I Need a Root Canal?

There are a few major factors that can cause the need for a root canal.

You Have Deep Cavities – After a cavity breaks through the enamel layer of your tooth and breaks through the dentin layer, tooth decay can invade the pulp chamber. Once the tooth decay has reached the nerve of your tooth, it’s nearly impossible to remove the decay without destroying the nerve of the tooth. In order to save the tooth, we must remove the entire nerve from your tooth. If your tooth’s nerve has become infected, it’s possible for your tooth to become abscessed which can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort that may feel uncomfortable. With that said, you should always visit us at the first sign of pain.

There is a Trauma to a Tooth – Another major cause for the need of a root canal is tooth trauma. This can occur when there is the slightest amount of trauma to your tooth. All it takes is the lightest hit for your tooth to become damaged. If you have a damaged tooth that is never treated, it’s possible for the nerve of the tooth to become damaged and potentially die, causing you significant pain and the need for a root canal or extraction. Through a series of tests, our dentists can determine if your tooth is in fact dead.

Old Teeth – The older teeth are, the more susceptible to cavities and infections they become. Your tooth may potentially become infected and begin to ache one day only for you to discover that you need a root canal. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly even in old age so that you always know what condition your teeth are in.

If you think that you might need a root canal, you will need to schedule an appointment with our Alpharetta dentist for an exam. Our dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine if it’s your best treatment option.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure InformationRoot Canal

Now that you know an overview of why you might need a root canal, it’s a good idea to know just what exactly happens during a root canal procedure in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental. To start, our dentist will numb your tooth using a local anesthetic. From there, we will remove the nerve and drain the infection from your tooth. If necessary, we will use an antibiotic solution on the infection.

We will then fill the nerve chamber with a dental material designed to seal the inside of the tooth and remove the remaining decay. Afterwards, we will place a permanent filling and then take impressions for your dental crown. Using our CEREC, you will be fitted with your dental crown the same-day as your root canal. While the procedure sounds quite simple, not every patient has the exact same treatment. Our dentist will give you an overview of your procedure and what you can expect during your appointment.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

One of the biggest misconceptions about root canals out there is that they are painful. While the infection you feel in your tooth prior to your root canal may feel horrible, the procedure itself is completely pain-free. Your tooth might feel sore for a few days after your procedure but it is nothing you should be worried about. Try to focus on the fact that you are able to save your natural tooth.

Root Canal AftercareRoot Canal

Caring for your tooth after a root canal is very important for your own comfort and for the healing process. First, we recommend that you avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that had a root canal. Second, we recommend sticking with soft foods at least for a few days to just give your mouth a break. When it comes time to brush your teeth, try to be as gentle as possible near the treatment site. When you try to floss near the area of your treatment, don’t force the floss into place if it hurts. Be gentle and let your mouth rest. You can expect to feel like yourself after a few days.

Visit Us for a Pain-Free Root Canal in Alpharetta

If you’re in need of a root canal or think that you might be, it’s better to visit us sooner than later. Our dentist is happy to examine your mouth to see if it’s the right treatment for you. Give us a call or use our online form to schedule an appointment today.

dentist in alpharetta ga

Meet the Doctors

At Old Milton Dental, we pay attention to the details. Every element of our office design has been carefully selected to ensure comfort and enhance the overall dental experience for our patients that come to us. Drs. Corey Mazer, Katie Reid and Jenna Jarvis always have their patients well-being as their primary concern.