What is Root Canal Therapy?
At Acorn Dental, patients can find all the dental services they need under one roof. From preventive care to more complex procedures like root canal therapy in Marlton, New Jersey, our highly qualified team of dental professionals is dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care possible. Even those suffering from sleep apnea can benefit from Acorn Dental’s effective treatment options to improve sleep and overall health. With a commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction, Acorn Dental is the go-to destination for all dental needs. Root canal therapy is a standard dental treatment often feared and misunderstood by many. Dr. Sherly and his team at Acorn Dental can help you better understand what root canal therapy entails and how it can benefit your dental wellness. Our dentist, Dr. Woodfork, will use local anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the root canal procedure, and the area feels fully healed within a few weeks. Everything You Need to Know About Root Canal Therapy According to statistics, over 15 million root canal procedures are performed annually in the United States, indicating this treatment’s critical role in dentistry. Firstly, let’s discuss what a root canal is. When the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected due to decay or injury, it can lead to inflammation and infection in the tooth’s root canals. The condition can spread to surrounding tissues, causing severe pain and tooth loss. Root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, involves removing the pulp, cleaning the canals, and sealing the area to prevent future damage and restore the tooth’s function. The procedure saves your natural tooth and prevents the need for extraction. Here is an overview of what to expect during root canal therapy: Step 1: Evaluation The first step in root canal therapy is the evaluation. During this phase, Dr. Woodfork will examine your tooth and take an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage. If a root canal is necessary, she will discuss the procedure with you and inform you of other available treatment options (if any). Step 2: Accessing the Pulp The next step is accessing the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth containing the nerves and blood vessels. Dr. Woodfork and her team will create a small hole in the tooth to reach the pulp. This hole can be done using a special drill or instrument. Once we gain access, she will clear out the damaged or infected pulp from the interior of your tooth. Step 3: Cleaning and Shaping After accessing the pulp, Dr. Woodfork will clean and shape the inside of the tooth. Cleaning is done using special instruments that remove debris and bacteria. This process is essential to prevent future infection or damage. Once the tooth is cleaned and shaped, she will fill the space with a unique material called gutta-percha. This filling seals the inside of the tooth and creates a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering. Step 4: Sealing After filling and sealing the tooth, we will place a temporary filling. This temporary filling will protect the tooth until we can place a permanent filling or crown. We will give you instructions on how to care for your tooth while it’s healing. These instructions include avoiding hard or sticky foods and properly cleaning around the tooth. Step 5: Filling or Crown Placement The final step of root canal therapy is the placement of a permanent filling or crown, which will restore the tooth to its full function and protect it from further damage. The full restoration will depend on the tooth’s structural integrity and location in your mouth. Dr. Woodfork will discuss the best option for your needs. Recovery After Therapy After undergoing root canal therapy, it is essential to rest and allow your body to recover. You may experience soreness and discomfort in the affected tooth and surrounding area, which are common side effects of the procedure. Dr. Woodfork may prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain or discomfort you experience. Oral Care It is vital to maintain good oral hygiene after root canal therapy. Our team may advise you to avoid brushing or flossing the treated tooth for the first few days after the procedure. You should resume your oral care routine once your tooth has healed. Good oral health care includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. Watch for Signs of Infection After undergoing root canal therapy, watching for any signs of infection is essential. These may include fever, increased or persistent pain, swelling, or discharge from the affected tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact us immediately. Early intervention can prevent the infection from spreading and help you avoid additional dental procedures. Diet After undergoing root canal therapy, following a soft food diet for a few days is important. This diet will allow your tooth to heal and reduce any discomfort that you may experience. Soft foods that are easy to chew, such as soup, scrambled eggs, or yogurt, are ideal during this period. You should avoid consuming hard or crunchy foods and refrain from chewing on the treated tooth until Dr. Woodfork gives you the green light to resume regular eating habits. Follow-Up Appointments We will schedule a follow-up appointment after your root canal therapy to ensure your tooth has healed correctly. During this appointment, Dr. Woodfork will check the tooth for any signs of infection or damage and may take x-rays to ensure successful root canal therapy. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments, as they are essential for ensuring the long-term health of your tooth. How Much Does It Cost? The total cost of root canal therapy can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the treatment. We can provide a consultation to assess your needs and provide an estimate for the procedure. This estimate means you can better understand the cost
