Preserving Your Smile With Root Canal Therapy

Did you know that untreated cavities could eventually mean an infected or abscessed tooth? When these complications arise, treatment is crucial for preventing tooth loss and keeping your smile whole and healthy. To stop the progression of infection, we often recommend a root canal for patients in Gary, IN. Don’t worry, we take steps to ensure the procedure is a comfortable one!

Ensuring a Comfortable Visit

Over the years, root canal therapy has gained a reputation as a painful procedure. However, most patients actually find the procedure to be comparable to receiving a simple dental filling! Prior to treatment, we always administer a local anesthetic. We also offer dental sedation, which helps the patient enter a calm, and relaxed state, with little to no memory of the procedure. The sedation option we prescribe will depend on your overall health and your level of dental anxiety.

Preventing Tooth Loss

The goal of a root canal procedure is to prevent tooth loss. When an infection occurs, it impacts the inner pulp, the nerve center that keeps the tooth alive and healthy. Without treatment, the pulp could die, which effectively kills the tooth. At this stage, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or the jawbone. However, if we’re allowed to treat the issue in time, we can preserve your natural tooth and safeguard your smile’s health and appearance! Remember, warning signs of an infection include toothaches, pain when eating, fever, swelling near the tooth, and even a discharge for the tooth itself. Don’t ignore these potential warning signs, please see us as soon as possible to discuss treatment options!

The Root Canal Procedure

After we administer our sedation, we begin the procedure by opening the tooth. We need to remove the infected tissue within. Afterward, we clean the interior of the tooth thoroughly. Next, we prepare and place a restorative filling material known as gutta percha. Once the material cures, we complete the procedure by placing a custom-made dental crown. Made from lifelike materials, such as ceramic, the crown addresses your tooth’s visible portion and prevents further decay or infection. Your smile will look whole and natural! If you have any questions or concerns about our restorative treatments, or if you think you need to see the dentist, then please contact our team today.

Does Your Tooth Hurt?

If you have pain in your smile, then let us know. To schedule an appointment to discuss our solutions to tooth decay and dental infection, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.