You Don't Have To Be Afraid Of A Root Canal Anymore
Do you have a severe toothache or extreme sensitivity in one specific tooth? This is a common sign that bacteria have infected the tooth’s center, the pulp. Because the pulp contains thousands of nerves, it often results in intense pain that negatively impacts your daily life, making it difficult to focus on anything else. Fortunately, Dr. Barry Bartusiak is dedicated to relieving your pain and preserving your tooth with a helpful treatment called root canal therapy. Keep reading below to learn more about whether you need a root canal in Washington, PA, and the benefits of this treatment.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, saves severely decayed or damaged teeth from having to be extracted. Dr. Bartusiak recommends this procedure when a tooth’s root has been infected or exposed. While root canals have a scary reputation, there’s nothing to fear about them. They allow you to keep your natural smile intact. By removing the infected pulp, we’re able to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth, preserving your smile.
We offer same-day emergency treatment for patients with extreme dental discomfort. That way, you won’t have to suffer for hours or even days before receiving the treatment you need and deserve.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
A severe toothache is the most common sign that a root canal is needed. However, there are several other symptoms you should watch out for. Give our dental office a call if you notice any of the following:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain when biting down
- Red or swollen gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth
- Dark discoloration of the tooth or its surrounding gums
The Root Canal Procedure
Rest assured that when you enter our dental office for a root canal, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable before starting the treatment. Once we examine your tooth and determine that a root canal is what your smile needs, here’s what will happen:
- Your dentist in Washington, PA, will administer local anesthetic and possibly even sedation to ensure you’re relaxed and will not feel any discomfort during your procedure.
- The infected pulp inside your tooth will be removed.
- The tooth’s inner chamber will be thoroughly sanitized to ensure no bacteria remain.
- We’ll fill the inside of your tooth with a synthetic yet biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
- At your follow-up appointment, we’ll restore and protect your tooth from further damage with a customized, fully lifelike dental crown.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
In addition to avoiding the plethora of problems that can arise from extracting a tooth, root canal therapy offers several benefits, including:
- Efficient and cost-effective. A tooth extraction typically costs more than a root canal. You’ll also usually have fewer follow-up appointments.
- Virtually painless procedure. Despite their daunting reputation, root canals are not painful. Thanks to local anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel any more uncomfortable than you would getting a simple filling. Root canal therapy comes with minimal discomfort, especially when compared to getting a tooth extracted.
- Aesthetically pleasing results. Your tooth will be topped with a custom-made dental crown to resemble your natural tooth in every way. In most cases, your dental team should be the only ones able to tell that it’s not your “real” tooth.
Want A Gorgeous Smile? We Can Help Restore It!
