Endodontics in Allentown, PA
Endodontic care refers to the treatments and procedures a dentist uses to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. It focuses on treating the tissues inside the tooth, particularly around the root. The most common endodontic procedure is root canal therapy. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not as painful as they are often portrayed—in fact, they’re designed to relieve pain, not cause it!
Root Canal Therapy: The Best Option for Saving Your Tooth
When tooth decay is caught early, it can usually be treated with a simple filling. However, if decay goes untreated, it can spread deeper into the tooth, affecting the soft tissue surrounding the nerves. At this point, root canal therapy is necessary to have the best chance of saving the tooth. If the decay is allowed to progress too far, an abscess may form at the tooth’s root, allowing the infection to spread. In severe cases, extraction may be the only option, requiring a replacement prosthetic.
While prosthetics have come a long way, they can’t fully replicate the look, feel, or function of a natural tooth. Additionally, prosthetics are often more expensive than root canals and may require multiple visits to complete.
When a Root Canal Is Needed
Decay that reaches the roots can cause noticeable symptoms like pain, swelling, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, or even tooth discoloration. However, some patients experience no symptoms at all. In many cases, dentists discover the need for a root canal during routine exams or from digital imaging.
General dentists are trained to perform routine root canals, but for more complex cases, they may refer patients to an endodontist—a specialist with at least two additional years of training. Endodontists use advanced technology and techniques to handle challenging cases with a high success rate.
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
A successful root canal involves thoroughly cleaning all infected tissue from the tooth’s root canals. Because teeth vary in shape, some root canals are more challenging to treat, particularly those that are narrower or more complex. Endodontists are specially trained to handle these situations with the latest tools and technology.
Root canals often have an undeserved reputation for being painful. However, endodontists focus on patient comfort, using anesthetics to ensure the procedure is as painless as possible. They are also qualified to diagnose and treat facial pain that may be difficult to pinpoint.
At Kearns Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer endodontic care right in our office. If you have any questions about root canals or other endodontic treatments, please don’t hesitate to call us at (610) 432-7565 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help with all your dental care needs!
Schedule an Endodontic Consultation in Allentown, PA
At Kearns Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer endodontic care right in our office. If you have any questions about root canals or other endodontic treatments, please don’t hesitate to call us at (610) 432-7565 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help with all your dental care needs!