Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy (also known as endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment) is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth which is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future bacterial infections.
Root canal therapy is unfortunately a common procedure and is the only way to save a natural tooth once the bacteria has infected the pulp. If the tooth is not treated soon, the likely solution will be an extraction.
The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental radiates compassion and enthusiasm. Every member embraces your individual comfort and dental needs. We seek balance in our practice, our procedures, and your health. You will find your entire dental experience with us comforting from start to finish. We balance exceptional, personalized dental care with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Call us today at 440-974-4449 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation regarding the benefits of root canal therapy for you. You can conveniently find us at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.
Root canal therapy, also known as a root canal, is a dental procedure that involves treating the pulp of a tooth that has become infected. The pulp, which is made up of living connective tissue, will get infected when a tooth is cracked, or a cavity has progressed to the point that the infection has entered the pulp.
Dr. Crystal
Dr. Crystal is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine and went on to receive training at one of the most prestigious dental residencies in the nation, The Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX.
Inform & Educate
We empower you to make wise, well-informed decisions for your oral health through patient education and individual consultation. We do this through the modern technology we offer. Our digital x-rays are equipped with special cavity-detecting software, and we also utilize an intraoral camera to show you what we see in your mouth. We also make sure to stay up-to-date on your medical history, current medications and any other factors that might affect your dental health and treatment.
Insurance & Billing
We are an insurance-friendly office, so please call us about your plan. We will do our best to assist you in maximizing your benefits. At your first visit to our Mentor dental practice, we will ask you for your current insurance information. We may ask you to confirm this information at subsequent visits so we can stay up-to-date and fully informed to serve you. As a courtesy to you, we file all claim forms electronically, provide postage for special claims, and we track claims for you.
How Do You Know You Need Root Canal Therapy?
To determine if you might need a root canal, it helps to first understand the different symptoms of the pulp of a tooth that is becoming infected.
Whether good or bad, it will be obvious that something is wrong once the pulp of your tooth becomes infected. This is because most likely you will be experiencing a great deal of discomfort, or even throbbing pain.
Some of the symptoms of an infected root pulp include:
- A severe and constant toothache.
- Pain while attempting to bite or chew.
- A swelling of your gums.
- Pain when you apply pressure to the tooth.
- Changes in the color or shade of the tooth.
- Sudden extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should call for an appointment with Dr. Crystal Dental as soon as possible.
It is also important to understand why root canal therapy needs to be done. Some of these reasons include:
- Increasing Infection
- Trauma to the Tooth
- Escalating Tooth Decay
- An Irreparable Fracture of the Tooth
- A Dead Tooth Nerve
Do not allow the issue to persist. Take care of your infected tooth as soon as you can.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
The actual procedure to remove the infection is relatively painless in comparison to having an infection in the pulp of a tooth. Do not allow the fear of root canal therapy prevent you from getting the proper care that your tooth needs. If you do not get a root canal, odds are the tooth becomes damaged to the point where it can no longer be repaired. Once this has occurred, your only option will be extraction.
Pulpotomy
Pulpotomy is the dental industry term that is used for a root canal for a child. Your child’s primary teeth are softer than your teeth, and therefore are more susceptible to decay. Because of this, they are also more likely to get a tooth infection. A pulpotomy is a procedure much like a root canal for an adult. The caring team at Dr. Crystal Dental will decide if a pulpotomy is necessary for your child by examining the tooth for decay and infection.
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
The first step of root canal therapy is visiting Dr. Crystal Dental for an immediate examination. At this evaluation we will look at the tooth and determine the issue. If it is just minor decay, you might only need the decay removed and a cavity filled. If the pulp is truly infected, though, we will next decide if we can save the tooth.
Once we decide to proceed with root canal therapy, we will begin the treatment by first administering a local anesthesia to relieve and prevent any further discomfort. Once the tooth and surrounding tissue is adequately numb, we will carefully create a small access hole in the top of the tooth and remove the entire pulp from the pulp chamber and the roots. We will then disinfect the entire root canal system of the tooth. Once the inside chamber and the root canals are clean, a rubbery like material will be used to fill the cleaned system. We then seal the tooth to prevent any further infection. If the tooth had a significant amount of decay, Dr. Crystal Dental may recommend placing a dental crown over the tooth to ensure the strength of the tooth.
Most root canals will be completed in just one visit, but it might take more than one visit depending on the amount and type of treatment that is required.
Comprehensive Dentistry
Comprehensive dentistry with Dr. Crystal Schneider, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and jaw. She believes that preventive care is the most important aspect of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Schneider aims to identify and treat problems while they’re still small, which can save you time, money and more extensive dental treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
An attractive smile can boost your confidence, help you make better first impressions on others, and improve your personal and professional life. We provide several cosmetic dental treatments that can subtly enhance your smile, and there are many other more dramatic treatments, often called “smile makeovers,” that can give you the smile of your dreams.
Specialized Dentistry
Missing teeth can take the joy out of the everyday things we love, from smiling and talking with confidence to eating our favorite foods. All of these things can become easier again with specialized dental care. Dr. Schneider offers advanced treatments that will not just restore your smile to its former health – they’ll make it look and feel even better than before!
Proper Aftercare Following Root Canal Therapy
A proper regimen of over the counter medication can be used to help with any discomfort after the procedure, but typically any discomfort is minimal. On rare occasions, a prescription may be necessary and is determined at the time of your procedure or if after care is necessary. After your root canal has been completed, it is necessary to place a final protective restoration, ideally within four weeks. Delaying final restoration can compromise the health and final results from your root canal. Typical restorations after a root canal are a buildup and crown, however, sometimes only a filling is necessary. Dr. Crystal Dental will determine your specific needs and discuss with you at your appointment.
Our Devotion to Family Dentistry is Unparalleled
Our attention to detail is second to none. Either when it comes to your personalized dental care or the array of amenities in the relaxing comfort of our office. The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental goes the extra mile in providing communication and consultation, realizing that we collectively are committed to developing long lasting relationships with every patient. We find gratification in life changing healthy smiles. Call us now at 440-974-4449 to make an appointment for your personal evaluation and consultation regarding root canal therapy. Our office is located at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.