Most people cringe when they hear the words “root canal”, associating it with pain and discomfort. What was once a painful, invasive procedure is now relatively pain-free, with non-surgical treatments available. Although the basic process and materials are still the same as the standard root canal procedure you may have come to fear, at Modestow Family Dentistry, we use advanced instrumentation, irrigation, and filling techniques for your root canal in Northampton.
When you don’t take proper care of your teeth, gums, and mouth, diseases and infections can cause pain and even decay of the teeth. If the decay becomes too advanced, the best treatment option may be root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve or pulp of a tooth is affected by decay or infection, or if there has been significant injury or trauma to the tooth. Symptoms of the infection are generally acute dental pain or sensitivity to hot, cold or percussion. During root canal therapy, the injured or diseased pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Your root canal Northampton will begin by our dentist making an opening in the crown of the tooth or teeth. Then he will gently remove the infected or inflamed pulp from your tooth. After carefully shaping, sterilizing, and cleaning the inside of the canal, the opening is filled and sealed with a rubber-like compound. At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function. Root canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.
Teeth treated at Modestow Family Dentistry can last just as long as natural teeth, but a re-treatment may be required in some cases due to improper healing or other complications. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal therapy. With our expertise, receiving a root canal in Northampton no longer has to be an uncomfortable, frightening experience. You’ll leave our dental office smiling, showing off your beautiful, well cared-for teeth!