Save Your Tooth From Infection
If you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain, you may be suffering from an oral infection. Oral infections arise when deep decay or trauma allows bacteria to reach the deepest layer of the tooth. Fortunately, Dr. Stone at Premier Birmingham Dentistry is here to save your tooth from unnecessary extraction and relieve your pain. Root canal therapy is a technique used to remove an oral infection and restore your tooth to a pristine condition.
Discover how root canal treatment works with Dr. Stone in our informational guide below.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a restorative treatment used when a cavity, or tooth decay, has been left untreated long enough for a bacterial infection to reach the central tooth layer. This area of the tooth, called the pulp chamber, contains sensitive nerve endings that cause pain when infected. When the infection reaches this far, it can put the entire tooth at risk.
With the help of root canal therapy, Dr. Stone removes the infected tissue of the tooth to save it from extraction. After a root canal procedure, your pain will subside and the health of your tooth will be restored.
How Teeth Become Vulnerable to Infection
A variety of scenarios can make your tooth pulp vulnerable to infection, including:
- Deep decay from an untreated cavity
- Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
- Chips or cracks in a tooth
- An injury to the tooth
Signs of an Oral Infection
Many signs can indicate you’re suffering from an oral infection and need root canal therapy. Call our Birmingham office to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Severe tooth pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tender or swollen gums
- Discoloration or darkening of a tooth
Our Root Canal Procedure
Root canal therapy can typically be completed in one appointment at our Birmingham dental office. Dr. Stone will begin by creating a small entry point at the top of the crown to reach the infected pulp. To ensure a pain-free, comfortable treatment, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site.
Dr. Stone will remove the pulp, disinfect the inside of the tooth, and use a material called gutta-percha to seal the root canal. For extra protection, we’ll place a custom porcelain crown over your tooth. Then, you can walk out of our office with a restored smile and pristine oral health once again.
Root Canal Therapy Aftercare
Following a root canal, you can expect some soreness of your tooth and gums once your local anesthetic wears off. You may also experience swollen gums. This is normal and you can relieve any discomfort with the use of over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen. You should be able to resume normal activities the day after your procedure.
After a few days, you’ll have a follow-up appointment so Dr. Stone can ensure the infection is gone. If you’re feeling any severe pain or discomfort following your procedure, please contact our Birmingham office right away at (248) 644-8520.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, root canal therapy can be completed in one to two appointments, lasting around 90 minutes each. However, treatment time varies from patient to patient depending on several factors. These can include the state of your oral health and the number of teeth that need to be treated. We’ll always provide you with an accurate breakdown of your treatment at your initial consultation with Dr. Stone.
It’s uncommon to experience complications after root canal therapy, but it can happen in rare instances. If your treated tooth becomes broken, reinfected, or fractured, contact Premier Birmingham Dentistry as soon as possible. Just call our office at (248) 644-8520 and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. Dr. Stone will assess the damage and determine the best solution to get your oral health back on track.
Restore Your Oral Health at Premier Birmingham Dentistry
Don’t suffer from an infected tooth any longer. At Premier Birmingham Dentistry, we’ll provide you with relief and restore your oral health. To see if you need a root canal, schedule your consultation with Dr. Stone at our Birmingham office. Just call us at (248) 644-8520 and we’ll be more than happy to assist you. You can also get in touch by filling out our online contact form.