The American Association of Endodontists reports that dentists perform about 15 million root canal procedures annually in the United States. That's a lot of teeth saved and made comfortable by this reliable, comfortable therapy. Here at at Walker Dentistry in Fishers, IN, Dr. Gary Walker and Dr. Rebecca Walker provide this service to keep patients' oral health at high levels. Read on to learn more!
What is a root canal?
Each of your teeth has one to four narrow chambers or root canals. They contain connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, all of which nourish the tooth and allow it to feel pain and pressure. Fortunately, your tooth can survive without this soft tissue, and in fact, it can function indefinitely—just like the rest of your teeth.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a two-visit restorative procedure performed by your dentist right at Walker Dentistry. It removes interior tooth pulp damaged by oral trauma, deep decay, or infection. Once the pulp is removed and each root canal cleaned, Dr. Walker seals it with an elastic, biocompatible putty called gutta-percha.
Then, a temporary cap protects the tooth as it heals over the next week. When you return to see your dentists in their Fishers, IN, office, a permanent, realistic porcelain crown replaces the cap.
Do you need root canal therapy?
Symptoms that indicate that you could benefit from root canal therapy are:
- A deep crack or fracture
- Multiple fillings on the same tooth (and they are deteriorating)
- Discolored tooth enamel
- Toothache
- Dental sensitivity which lingers in response to heat, cold, and sugary foods
- Pimples on the gums
- Jaw swelling
- Tender, red gums
- Pus at the gum line
- Persistent bad breath
- Drainage from the tooth
Sometimes the desperate condition of a failing tooth shows no symptoms whatsoever. Only a careful oral exam and X-rays reveal what's happening.
After a root canal...
Most patients find tremendous relief for their symptoms and enjoy keeping their natural teeth. They avoid all the issues smile gaps cause, and most teeth restored with root canal therapy for a lifetime. Care is as simple as brushing, flossing, and regular six-month check-ups/cleanings with your dentist.
Contact us for more information
If you are concerned about a particular tooth, please contact Walker Dentistry in Fishers, IN. Feel better, and save that tooth with root canal therapy. Phone us at (317) 849-8550.